Bethel College Women’s Basketball Splits Games at Home Tournament
Bethel’s strong showing in the home tournament sets the tone for a confident season ahead.
The Bethel College women’s basketball team hosted the Bethel Tournament to kick off the home season after playing away games the previous week. The team entered the tournament with a 1-1 record, looking to add two more wins.
Thresher WBB started the tournament off against receiving votes (RV) Morningside University, who were 1-0 coming into the tournament. After the first quarter, Bethel seemed to have a hold on them, leading 29-23. The team looked great. Despite a great first quarter, the Threshers ultimately fell 88-67, with great effort from the whole team. Karlee Locke ended the game with 18 points, Kendall Locke and Madyson McKinze both with 14 points, and newcomer Emersyn Eischen with 12 of her own.
“Energy and effort was there in the first quarter. We started well, but we started making errors on the press. I think staying disciplined on defense is important. We got tired, and they used it against us. We just need to stay disciplined on defense and the press rush.” Said Junior point guard Kendall Locke from Azle, Texas.
The next day, Bethel faced Baker University, another solid team. Once again, Bethel looked phenomenal in the first quarter with the score of 24-12. They continued to battle, and it seemed Baker couldn’t find an answer for Bethel’s fastbreaks against the Locke sisters. The game ended with the score of 90-61. Kendall Locke with 21, Karlee Locke with 16, McKinzie with 16, and Elena Jugovic with 10.
“I think the way we run offensively is huge for our success and will continue to be. I’m also extremely pleased with our team defense this year, but our on-ball defense could get better. I think keeping the girls fresh somehow is going to be key against big teams like Morningside and Dakota State.” Said First-year Head Coach Jara Shoemaker. “Not only are we a huge transition team, but now we are trying to press and put a big emphasis on guarding. Our issue against both teams was being able to keep that intensity up in the second half.”
The Bethel women’s basketball team now has a quick turnaround as they will welcome the St. Mary Spires on Nov. 15th, with tip-off at 1:00 p.m. This will be their first conference game of the year.