NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Women's Basketball team opened up KCAC Conference play on Wednesday evening inside Thresher Gym as they hosted the Bethany College Swedes. The Threshers trailed by five points at half time, but couldn't slow the Swedes down in the third quarter as Bethany pulled away in the second half for an 81-67 victory.

After struggling to slow down the Bethany offense in the opening quarter, Bethel was able to force the Swedes to shoot just 23.5 percent from the floor, down from their 56 percent in the first. The great defense, along with double digit scoring from Jaycee Freshour, the Threshers were able to close the first half strong to trail by just five points heading into the intermission.

Despite the Threshers shooting nearly 43 percent from the floor and 33 percent from three point range, they once again struggled to slow down the Swedes in the opening quarter of a half. Bethany outscored Bethel 26-14 in the third quarter to balloon their lead to 17 as they shot 55 percent from the floor. The Threshers were able to outscore the Swedes in the final period as Josie Calzonetti scored half of Bethel's 18 points. 

Key Statistics

Bethel knocked down 6 three's in the loss, with Kendall Michalski going 3 for 3.

By The Numbers

The Threshers struggled stop the Swedes in the paint as they outscored Bethel 52-26.

Bethel did not allow a made three point basket in the second half.

Six Threshers recorded a blocked shot in the contest.

Both Teams finished the game with 16 assists. 

Thresher Leaders

Points: Kendall Michalski (19)

Rebounds: Josie Calzonetti (8)

Assists: Josie Calzonetti, Jaycee Freshour, Troi Lucas (3)

Steals: Kendall Michalski (2)

Blocks: Six Tied (1)

Next Up

The Threshers will be back in action on Tuesday, November 23rd as they travel to take on the Friends Falcons with tip-off set for 6:00 PM.