MCPHERSON. Kan. - The Bethel College Women's Basketball team is taking part in the McPherson Classic hosted by McPherson College this weekend. The Threshers opened up the classic against the Missouri Valley Vikings this afternoon. Bethel fell behind early and was never able to catch back up as they fell to Missouri Valley 71-42. 
 
The Threshers could not get any shots to drop early as they shot just 13 percent in the opening quarter. The Vikings took a 17-5 lead heading to the second period.
 
Although Bethel was able to get more shots to fall in the second period, they weren't able to make up any ground on Missouri Valley. The Vikings had a 20 point quarter, taking a 37-18 lead into the intermission.
 
Bethel made just one basket from the floor in the third quarter as nine of their eleven points came from the charity stripe. Missouri Valley used this quarter to extend their lead a little more as they outscored the Threshers 19-11 to take a 56-29 lead into the final quarter.
 
The Threshers were able to play the Vikings to within two points in the final quarter as Missouri Valley went on to take down Bethel 72-41.
 
Bethel pulled  in 21 offensive rebounds and 24 defensive rebounds in the contest. The Threshers were led in scoring by Alex Bearup with 11 points off of the bench and Jaycee Freshour with 10 points off of the bench. 
 
The Lady Threshers will be back in action tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 PM back in McPherson, Kan. as they take on Missouri Baptist.