The Hesston College women’s basketball team won a pair of games against NCCAA opponents over the weekend, taking down Faith Baptist Bible College and Emmaus University. The Larks will be back in action on Feb. 11 as they take on Haskell Indian Nations University,
Hesston College 64, Faith Baptist 61
The Larks closed out a back-and-forth battle in dramatic fashion Friday night, using a late fourth-quarter surge to secure a 64-61 victory over Faith Baptist Bible College at Yost Gym.
Faith Baptist controlled much of the early momentum, opening the game with efficient perimeter shooting and building a lead through the first quarter. The Eagles extended their advantage in the second period, knocking down timely three-pointers and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to take a double-digit lead into halftime.
Hesston began to chip away in the third quarter. Brooke Bettis sparked the rally with a pair of three-pointers, and Akiva Brown established a presence inside with strong finishes around the rim. Defensive pressure from Krysten Carter created transition opportunities, allowing the Larks to trim the deficit possession by possession. By the end of the third, Hesston had shifted the momentum and entered the fourth within striking distance.
The final quarter featured multiple lead changes. Brown converted inside to tie the game midway through the period, and Carter followed with a steal that led to a go-ahead basket. Faith Baptist answered with a three-pointer to reclaim the lead, but Bettis responded with another long-range shot to swing momentum back in Hesston’s favor. In the closing minutes, the Larks executed at the free-throw line and forced key defensive stops, including a crucial rebound in the final seconds, to seal the three-point win.
Bettis led the Larks with 19 points, connecting on five three-pointers while adding three assists and two steals. Brown recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends of the floor. Carter added 14 points, five rebounds and four steals, providing steady two-way production. Mariah Hall chipped in nine points as Hesston finished with balanced scoring throughout the lineup.
As a team, the Larks shot 34.9 percent from the field and outrebounded the Eagles in key stretches of the second half. Hesston’s defensive intensity proved pivotal, as the Larks forced turnovers that translated into crucial late-game points.
Hesston College 72, Emmaus University 62
The Larks used a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops to build separation in the second half and earn a 72-62 victory over Emmaus University in non-conference women’s basketball action at Howie’s Activity Center Saturday morning.
Emmaus struck first and maintained a narrow edge through the opening minutes, taking a 21-20 lead after the first quarter on the strength of aggressive drives and accurate shooting from outside. Marina Keck led the visitors early with a pair of deep balls and points in the paint, while Hesston worked to find rhythm through Anna McIntire’s efficient finishes inside and timely buckets from Sarah Beltran.
In the second quarter, Hesston’s offense caught fire. The Larks moved the ball effectively, found open looks and tightened their defense to hold Emmaus to just 14 points. Beltran hit back-to-back jumpers, Mariah Hall energized the interior with scoring and rebounds, and Jenna Avery contributed pressure that led to transition opportunities. By halftime, Hesston had claimed a 38-35 lead and carried momentum into the locker room.
The third period remained competitive, with multiple lead changes as both teams battled for control. Brooke Bettis and Akiva Brown connected on key baskets for Hesston, while Emmaus countered through Keck and Aubry Silva’s shooting. Defensive adjustments by the Larks forced turnovers that resulted in critical points and helped Hesston edge ahead 54-51 entering the fourth.
In the decisive final quarter, Hesston extended its lead behind strong contributions across the lineup. Brown scored inside with authority and Hall continued her consistent scoring and rebounding, while Beltran knocked down another triple to push the margin to double figures. Hesston’s defense disrupted Emmaus’s rhythm, forcing missed shots and turnovers down the stretch that preserved the lead for the final buzzer.
Brown paced the Larks with 18 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the interior on both ends of the floor. Beltran added 13 points including multiple three-pointers, and Hall finished with 12 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. Bettis chipped in 11 points, while Avery contributed key second-half points that helped swing momentum. Hesston shot 39.5 percent from the field and outworked Emmaus on the glass, finishing with a 53-40 rebounding advantage.
For Emmaus, Keck led all scorers with 29 points and added 15 rebounds. Silva scored 17, and McKenna chipped in 13 points as the Eagles fought hard despite the deficit.
