Bethel women's basketball finishes regular season over York; secures four seed in KCAC Tournament
The Threshers finished the regular season on a three game win streak and earned three all-conference nods ahead of the KCAC post-season tournament
YORK, Neb. — The Bethel College women’s basketball team defeated York University 78-64 in their final regular season matchup on Saturday, finishing the season with a three-game win streak and clinching the fourth seed in the KCAC.
“We have really bought into becoming a good defensive team and have stressed our rebounding even more,” said Head Coach Rocky Lamar when asked about the team’s improvements this season. “After all, defense and rebounding are the two things that must be constant for a good team to be successful.”
The Threshers have been a strong rebounding team during conference play, earning themselves a 15-7 record against KCAC opponents. The Threshers have been led by three Threshers averaging five or more rebounds a game this season, including Kendall Locke, Carley Robb, and Madyson McKinzie. Kendall Locke was the rebounding leader against York, with 10 rebounds to round out her 27-point double-double performance.
“It was a tough start for us and I think at one point we all decided to be better for each other and for this team,” said Kendall Locke, from Azle, Tex. “That being said, toughness is what got us to where we are. We fight hard in the gym, doing everything to the best of our ability in hopes it will translate to the game.”
Bethel was able to win despite only shooting 15.8% from behind the arc. This was in large part due to the defense of the Threshers. The Threshers had 11 steals on the game, along with scoring 21 points off of York turnovers.
Kendall Locke was not the only Thresher in double figures. McKinzie added 21 points of her own, and Caryn Yoder and Natalie Richards both netted 10 points apiece for the Threshers.
This performance comes after Bethel honored its five seniors in their win against Tabor College. Taylor Hight, Lexie Jones, Natalie Richards, Carley Robb, and Lexi Robinson were all honored on senior night.
“The Seniors have been so good all year,” said Lamar. “Both the starters and the reserves who are seniors have brought their A-game to practice every day and it has been my honor to coach them.”
The Threshers look to honor their seniors further with a KCAC first-round win against Friends University in their home gym.
“We were so excited to get to play a home game in the tournament,” said Lamar. “Now our min set has to be to make it pay off.”
“It’s going to be a really fun game but I know that this team wants it more than anyone else,” said Kendall Locke. “We haven’t come this far just to come this far. We have a huge goal and dream in mind and this week we are going to work to prepare ourselves for Thursday.”
Ahead of the conference tournament, All-KCAC selections were announced on Tuesday. Kendall Locke received the All-KCAC First-Team nod while Richards received third-team honors and Mckinzie had honorable mention honors.
Bethel takes on Friends at 7 p.m. in Thresher Gym on Thursday, Feb. 27th. The winner will take on the winner of the matchup between Kansas Wesleyan and Saint Mary.