Leavenworth, Kan. – The Bethany College Women’s Basketball team took the road to Leavenworth, Kan. to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires in the first round of the KCAC Women’s Basketball Championships.
After a slow start that saw Bethany score just eight points in the opening quarter, the Swedes battled back in the second period behind improved shooting and defensive pressure. Bethany outscored Saint Mary 17-10 in the frame to trim the deficit to 25-23 at halftime, putting themselves firmly back in contention.
The contest turned in the third quarter when the Spires erupted for 28 points on an efficient shooting display. Saint Mary shot over 70 percent in the period, stretching the lead to double digits and forcing Bethany to play catch-up down the stretch.
Despite the deficit, the Swedes mounted a strong fourth-quarter push, pouring in 25 points while shooting over 60 percent from the field. However, the early hole and Saint Mary’s timely free-throw shooting proved too much to overcome as Bethany’s season ended at 16-13 overall.
Colbi Rignell and Tayten Dewey led the Swedes with 14 points apiece. Rignell added five rebounds and four assists in a strong all-around effort, while Dewey provided a spark off the bench, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Becca Unruh also contributed 11 points and a team-high five assists, and Hannah Moss chipped in nine points on three made three-pointers.
Lilyan Walden grabbed a team-best six rebounds to go along with six points as Bethany held a slight 34-32 advantage on the boards.
Though the loss ends the Swedes’ playoff stretch, Bethany showed resilience throughout the night, fighting back from an early deficit and closing the game with determination in a hard-fought postseason battle.
