Game 1: Cottey 63, Bethel 6
March 22 – Nevada, Mo.
Bethel struggled to keep pace with a potent Cottey College offense on Saturday evening, falling 63-6 on the road in a KCAC matchup.
Cottey stormed out to a 29-0 halftime lead and never looked back, scoring on eight of their first ten possessions. The Threshers were finally able to break through late in the fourth quarter when Regina Mendoza ripped off a 66-yard touchdown run, Bethel's lone score of the game.
Kyndall Longman and Nevaeh Gonzales split duties at quarterback, combining for 127 yards through the air, while Tatiana McCollum chipped in 24 rushing yards on six carries. Longman also caught three passes for 36 yards in an all-around effort.
On the defensive end, Longman led the team with eight tackles, while Lydia Harper added six. Regina Mendoza recorded Bethel's lone sack, bringing down the Cottey quarterback for a nine-yard loss.
Despite the scoreline, Bethel finished with 236 yards of offense and 10 first downs, showing flashes of progress on both sides of the ball.
Game 2: Baker 71, Bethel 0
March 23 – Baldwin City, Kan.
Less than 24 hours later, Bethel faced another tough opponent in Baker University and fell 71-0 on the road in non-conference action.
Baker's defense made life difficult for the Threshers from the outset, scoring three defensive touchdowns on interception returns in the first half alone. Bethel mustered just three first downs and -30 total offensive yards in the face of relentless pressure.
Freshman Amber Clawson completed Bethel's only pass of the game for five yards, while Regina Mendoza led the team in rushing with 10 yards on seven carries.
On defense, Kathryn Schmidt anchored the Threshers with nine tackles, and Lydia Harper added five. Bethel did manage a safety late in the third quarter for its only points of the day.
Despite the outcome, the experience against two strong opponents provided valuable growth opportunities for the young Bethel squad.
Up Next
Bethel will return to action on Tuesday, March 26, traveling to Salina to face Kansas Wesleyan at 6 PM.
