NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Southwestern College struggled to find its rhythm early Wednesday as Bethel College used a strong opening half to secure an 81-44 Conference victory over the Lady Builders at Thresher Gymnasium.

Bethel jumped out to a 24-4 lead after the first quarter and carried a 44-12 advantage into halftime. The Threshers shot 50 percent from the field in both the first and second quarters, while Southwestern was limited to 4-of-36 shooting in the opening half.

Macey Pond led Southwestern with 17 points, connecting on five 3-pointers, and added nine rebounds and four assists. Martha De La Rosa provided a boost off the bench with 10 points, while Lily Blankenship pulled down eight rebounds. Kennedy Ford chipped in seven points and three assists for the Lady Builders.

Southwestern put together its strongest stretch after halftime, scoring 19 points in the third quarter and shooting 83.3 percent from beyond the arc in the period. Bethel answered with 25 points in the quarter to maintain control of the contest.

Kendall Locke paced Bethel with 17 points and 10 assists, and Karlee Locke added 15 points as the Threshers improved to 14-7 overall and 11-4 in KCAC play. Southwestern fell to 4-17 overall and 0-15 in conference action.

The Lady Builders return home Saturday, Jan. 31, to continue conference play against York University (Neb.) at 1 p.m. inside Stewart Field House in Winfield.