Women's Basketball
Lady Pilots Streak Past No. 10 Huntington
Game Summary
Bethel College women’s basketball coach Jody Martinez has had his hands full this season. After losing nine players to last year’s 31-4 squad (including all 5 starters), Martinez and his staff have used some creativity to overcome obstacles this season. With many new faces, multiple lineup changes, and constant injuries, the consistent theme for the Lady Pilots has been one thing – defense. That stronghold showed up in a big way Saturday for Bethel as they raced out to an early 13-4 lead and never looked back in defeating NAIA No. 10 ranked Huntington University 69-55 at the Wiekamp Center.
Bethel, typically a slow starter was fueled by the shooting hand of sophomores Mandy Yoder and Heather Seyfred, who combined to knock down 6 of 9 three point attempts in the opening half. Seyfred’s 10 points paced the Lady Pilots in the half, while Yoder added 9 points before the intermission. Bethel’s defense forced 12 first half Huntington turnovers and held the Foresters to a mere 9 for 29 from the floor (31%) as they led at the break 34-21.
Bethel jumped out to an 18 point lead in the second half at the 13:00 mark and never let the lead get closer than 10 as they battled the Huntington full court pressure and held on for the victory.
“I was really proud of our 40 minutes of basketball today,” said coach Martinez. “Defensively we did a great job of mixing it up and keeping Huntington out of rhythm and we did a nice job of rebounding the ball and creating transition opportunities. Amber Peters had an outstanding day rebounding the ball and we also got some key minutes from Brittany Cook and Sarah Clark in the post area,” added Martinez. “With just three games left in the Mid Central College Conference, it is the effort on the defensive end like we had today that will have to carry us each game.”
For the game, the lady Pilots shot 40%, including 9 of 22 (41%) from behind the arc. Bethel out-rebounded Huntington 45 to 36 and held the Foresters to just 27% from the floor (17 for 62). Mandy Yoder and Heather Seyfred each scored 22 points to lead Bethel, while Amber Peters responded with a huge effort, scoring 12 points and wrestling away 19 rebounds.
The Lady Pilots improve to 18-7 overall and 10-3 in the MCC, a half game ahead of Huntington at the top of the conference. Bethel will travel to Marian College Wednesday, February 11th for their next action before returning home for senior night on February 18th vs. Taylor University.
