Thresher women's basketball wins first game of season against Southwestern
Bethel had four players score in double figures, with Locke leading with 20 points
The Bethel College women’s basketball team routed Southwestern in an 81-52 game in which the Threshers had four players in double figures.
“We played the game all in and played with so much energy and grit on both offense and defense,” said Kendall Locke, from Azle, Tex. “We limited their shots and rebounded very well and that is what led us to a win.”
Locke led the Threshers’ offensive attack against Southwestern, with a 20 point, 11 rebound, five assist double-double. Along with Locke as double digit scorers were Caryn Yoder and Madyson McKinzie with 12 each, and Natalie Richards with 10.
“The key improvement in this game compared to previous ones was our effort in rebounding,” said McKinzie, from Dumas, Ark. “We've struggled with rebounding this year, and this game showed that strong rebounding leads to winning.”
McKinzie was one rebound away from a double-double, with nine rebounds on the game, and Carley Robb also was a hair away from a double-double, with eight points and eight rebounds. The Threshers out-rebounded the Moundbuilders 60-31, and had 52 points in the paint.
The Threshers’ shooting from the field was much more efficient this game, shooting a 38.6 percentage on three point field goals. From the free throw line however, Bethel continues to struggle, shooting less than 50 percent from the line, including 33 percent in the second half of the match-up.
“We still have to work on positioning on defense, making sure we’re in the right spots all the time and limiting our fouls,” said Locke. “On free throws we do a good job of getting the ball where we want and producing opportunities, but we have to be more efficient at the line.”
The Threshers may have improvements to make on the defensive end of the court, but they excelled versus Southwestern, holding the Moundbuilders to a 24.2 field goal percentage.
Bethel looks to build off of their first win, and improve their KCAC record to 2-1 against Bethany in Lindsborg at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23rd.