Bethel women's basketball falls in KCAC opener
Richards led the Threshers in scoring to their 77-63 loss to Saint Mary
LEAVENWORTH — The Bethel College women’s basketball team lost to Saint Mary 77-63 in their first KCAC conference action of the season.
“Our biggest struggle is that we still do not have a sense of urgency on the boards,” said Head Coach Rocky Lamar on the Threshers performance.
The Threshers were led by Kendall Locke with eight rebounds, and Carly Robb with seven, but were outrebounded 44-28 by the Spires. Bethel was also outscored in the paint.
Bethel struggled to find their rhythm during the game, shooting 36% percent from the field, 28.6% from the three-point line, and 68.4% from the charity stripe. The Threshers were successful in their three point defense however, holding the Spires to a percentage of 26.7 behind the line.
On their shooting struggles, Coach Lamar had this to say about what the Threshers need to do:
“We need to learn the difference between a good shot and a bad shot,” said Coach Lamar.
While the Threshers dealt with shooting struggles, they had three players in double figures. Natalie Richards led the team with 24 points, along with a team leading four assists. Locke added 12 points for Bethel, and Taylor Hight rounded out the scoring for the Threshers with 10 points.
The Threshers have struggled to start the year, but there are still positives being displayed by the team through their first six games, and these, according to Coach Lamar, are the Threshers’ defensive pressure and their transition baskets.
The Threshers forced the Spires into 23 turnovers during the game, while only turning over the ball 11 times.
The Threshers hope to take these positives and turn them into a big win against Southwestern College on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in Thresher Gym at 5 pm.