MADISON, S.D. — The Bethel College women's basketball team capped a historic season at the NAIA National Tournament, earning the first national tournament victory in program history before falling in the second round to No. 3 Dakota State. The Threshers close the 2025–26 campaign with a 21–10 overall record, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.
First Round: Bethel 78, No. 6 Concordia 76
Bethel delivered a signature moment in program history Friday night, defeating No. 6 Concordia (Neb.) 78–76 in a thrilling NAIA National Tournament opener.
The contest featured multiple momentum swings with the lead changing hands throughout the game. Bethel stayed within reach behind strong second-half shooting, scoring 23 points in both the third and fourth quarters to set up a dramatic finish.
In the final seconds, Bethel ran a play designed to establish position for Alayna Vines on the block. Vines secured the entry pass before quickly kicking the ball out to Caryn Yoder on the perimeter. As Yoder rose for a three-point attempt, she drew heavy contact on the shot and was awarded three free throws.
With the game on the line, Yoder calmly converted all three free throws, giving Bethel the lead. Bethel turned Dakota State over on the next possession, but Bethel missed both free throws giving Concordia a chance to tie it late with 8 seconds to go.
After the timeout, Bethel came up with the defensive stop with Karlee Locke contesting Concordia's guard at the rim and forcing the miss to seal the first ever NAIA National Tournament win in Bethel history.
Karlee Locke led the Threshers with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Kendall Locke added 18 points. Madyson McKinzie contributed 13 points, and Yoder finished with 12 points, including the game-winning free throws.
The win marked the first NAIA National Tournament victory in Bethel women's basketball history.
Second Round: No. 3 Dakota State 104, Bethel 74
Bethel returned to the court Saturday to face No. 3 Dakota State, where the Trojans' high-powered offense proved difficult to contain in a 104–74 second-round result.
Dakota State built an early lead, going ahead 29–16 after the first quarter and extending the margin throughout the game behind efficient shooting and strong perimeter play.
Bethel continued to compete offensively throughout the contest.
Kendall Locke led the Threshers with 25 points, while Karlee Locke added 16 points and eight rebounds. Caryn Yoder chipped in 11 points and seven assists as Bethel shot nearly 45 percent from the field.
The tournament also capped one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Bethel College women's basketball history by junior guard Kendall Locke.
Locke was named the KCAC Player of the Year and earned KCAC All-Defensive Team honors, anchoring Bethel on both ends of the floor throughout the season.
Locke currently holds Bethel records for:
Even more remarkable — Locke has accomplished all of this while still only a junior.
With her statistical dominance, leadership, and two-way impact throughout the season, Locke has positioned herself as a strong candidate for NAIA All-American recognition.
Bethel finishes the season 21–10 overall, highlighted by the first NAIA National Tournament victory in program history and a record-setting season from one of the most decorated players the program has ever seen.
