WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College could not slow Bethel's balanced attack Wednesday evening, falling 76–51 in a KCAC matchup at Stewart Field House. Bethel (4–2, 2–0) shot 45.1 percent from the field and went a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, using defensive pressure and interior scoring to control the game.
The Threshers were led by Kendall Locke's 27 points, while Karlee Locke and Emersyn Eischen each added 14. Bethel held a 39–25 advantage on the glass and collected 18 steals, converting Southwestern turnovers into transition opportunities to build a lead that grew as large as 29 points in the fourth quarter.
Southwestern (3–3, 0–2) was paced by guard Macey Pond, who finished with 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes. She scored in every quarter and knocked down one of the Lady Builders' four 3-pointers.
Kennedy Ford added 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, while pulling down four rebounds and collecting a steal. She provided a steady presence in the lane and sparked Southwestern's best stretches in the second and third quarters.
As a starter in the frontcourt, Allyson Frank turned in an efficient outing with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting and a team-high five rebounds in 15 minutes. Martha De La Rosa added seven points, three rebounds and an assist, hitting one 3-pointer as Southwestern tried to cut into Bethel's lead.
Breanna Goad finished with five points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Emma Parker chipped in four points and two boards off the bench. Freshman post Aubrey Pond matched Parker with four points and added three rebounds in 24 minutes of action.
Southwestern shot 38.9 percent from the floor and 28.6 percent from 3-point range, generating 30 points in the paint. However, the Lady Builders were hurt by 22 turnovers and a 6-of-10 performance at the free-throw line, making it difficult to sustain momentum after halftime.
Southwestern hits the road for its next KCAC contest, traveling to Leavenworth, Kan., to face the University of Saint Mary Spires on Saturday, Nov. 22. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
