Bethel Women’s Basketball Defeats No. 23 Friends University, 72-59
Strong Defense and Key Performances Propel Threshers to Upset Victory
The women’s basketball team faced a challenging matchup on Wednesday, Jan. 21, against No. 23 Friends University. Bethel entered the game following two close wins decided by Kendall Locke’s buzzer-beaters. The teams previously met earlier this season, when Friends earned a 70-65 victory.
“Stop Garner.” The big game plan for the Threshers that night was what Head Coach Jara Shoemaker emphasized before the game.
Energy-filled Thresher Gym on Wednesday night as a packed crowd watched the opening tip. Bethel brought that intensity to the defensive end immediately, forcing two steals and a turnover in the opening minute to score the game’s first points.
By halftime, the Threshers held a 31-26 lead in a tightly contested game. Friends struggled to find a rhythm offensively, as Bethel’s defense forced turnovers and disrupted scoring opportunities, including missed free throws. The second half followed a similar pattern.
Bethel appeared to settle into a strong rhythm as the game progressed, drawing a loud response from the home crowd. The Threshers played with noticeable aggression, building a 54-39 lead by the end of the third quarter against the nationally ranked Falcons.
Friends struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Bethel’s sustained defensive pressure and were unable to close the gap late. What was expected to be a close contest shifted as the Threshers extended their lead and maintained control. Bethel, unranked, closed out the game with a 72-59 victory.
“I’ve been waiting for them to play that way all year,” head coach Jara Shoemaker said after the game. “Their defense has gotten better, and their toughness has improved. That’s been my message to them. When we play at our best, we’re hard to match.”
Senior Caryn Yoder of Hesston delivered a standout performance, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, and one steal. Her energy on both ends of the floor provided a spark for Bethel throughout the night.
“Honestly, I have to give all the credit to my teammates,” Yoder said. “I’m fortunate to have great passers and unselfish players around me. We talk about getting the ball to whoever is hot, and that night it happened to be me. When we play with energy, everyone plays better, and that was evident tonight.”
The Threshers return home Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. to face the Southwestern College Jinx.