HESSTON, Kan. — Hesston College women’s basketball delivered one of its most balanced outings of the season on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Kansas Christian College 72–64 in Yost Gym. The Larks controlled the glass from start to finish, had four players score at least seven points and used a strong second quarter to create separation they never surrendered.
Hesston opened the game with steady offense and timely shooting, trading baskets with the Falcons through a 18–18 first quarter. In the second, the Larks found their rhythm from the perimeter as Sarah Beltran sparked a key run, hitting two threes and scoring eight points in the period. That surge helped Hesston outscore Kansas Christian 18–13 and take a 36–25 halftime lead. Akiva Brown added six first-half points along with her presence on the boards, and Brooke Bettis knocked down a three as the Larks built momentum.
The Larks continued to control the game in the third quarter, extending their lead behind inside scoring from Brown and energy plays from Mariah Hall and Anna McIntire. Hesston led by as many as 17 early in the fourth quarter before Kansas Christian made a late push. Falcons guard Hayley Diveley kept her team within striking distance, scoring 26 points, including four threes, but the Larks answered with key rebounds and steady free-throw shooting to maintain control down the stretch.
Beltran led Hesston with 19 points, hitting five three-pointers and adding three assists. Brown posted a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double. Bettis contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, while Hall added six points and seven boards. McIntire chipped in seven points, four rebounds and two steals, and the Hesston bench combined for 24 points, giving the Larks consistent production across all four quarters.
As a team, Hesston finished with a 56–42 rebounding advantage, including 22 offensive rebounds, and assisted on 19 of its 28 made field goals. The Larks improved to 4–7 with the win and continue non-conference play on Thursday (Nov. 20) at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
