Sarah Hawbaker
Lindsborg News Record

The Bethany College women's basketball team captured a much-needed win over KCAC rival Kansas Wesleyan University, giving the Swedes their first conference win of the season.

The team lost 54-70 to McPherson College on Jan. 18.

Versus the Bulldogs, Bethany shot 29.6 percent from the field, a mere 5.9 percent from the three and 55 percent from the line.

Leading the team with 17 points was Tasha Wagoner. Wagoner was six for 18 from the field, one for four from beyond the arc and four for six from the line. She had seven total rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Tanya Garner tallied 10 points for the Swedes. She was four for 11 from the field and two for two from the line.

Tamara Garner added seven for Bethany with six rebounds, while Ruth Evans chalked up six points for the Swedes.

On Jan. 21, Bethany had an impressive 61-53 win over the KWU Coyotes, who received votes in the latest NAIA poll.

The Swedes trailed by one at the half, but came back and outscored Kansas Wesleyan 32-23 in the second half of the game.

As a team, Bethany shot 35 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from the three-point range and 77.3 percent from the line. The Coyotes shot 30.2 percent from the field, 25.9 percent from the three and 80 percent from the line.

Kendra Austin led Bethany with 16 points. She was six for 11 from the field, one for one from the three and three for four from the line.

Wagoner had 14 points with 10 total rebounds and six assists. She was three for 13 from the field, zero for one from the three and eight for eight from the line.

Heather Eddings added 10 points for Bethany with nine rebounds. Also with nine rebounds was Nicole Felker.

The Swedes now are 1-9 in conference play and 4-17 overall.

With a 9-1 KCAC record, Southwestern College has the number one spot in the conference race. Friends University is second at 8-2. Sterling College, McPherson College and Kansas Wesleyan University all are tied for third with 6-4 records. Ottawa University is 5-5 while University of Saint Mary and Bethel College both are 4-6. Bethany College and Tabor College remain at the bottom with one KCAC win apiece.

The Swedes travel to Ottawa University at 6 p.m. on Jan. 26 before hosting Friends University at 5 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Bethany students cheering on the Swedes!