Basketball Women Lose to Bethany, Kan.

LINDSBORG, Kan. – Hampered by another poor shooting performance, the USAO women’s basketball team lost its final non-conference game 52-46 to Bethany, Kan., College on New Year’s Eve.

With the loss, the Drovers fall to 5-6 on the season and begin their the Sooner Athletic Conference season this weekend. On Thursday, USAO hosts Lubbock Christian at 6 p.m. in a doubleheader starting at 6 p.m. Wayland Baptist completes the weekend action on Saturday with a 1 p.m. doubleheader in USAO Field House.

Against Bethany, USAO shot 20 percent from the field and 14 percent from 3-point range in the first half and trailed 29-21 at halftime. The Drovers improved slightly in the second half, hitting on 27 percent from the field and outscoring Bethany 25-23 in the final stanza.

Junior Stephanie Russell finished with game- and season-highs on 12 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Katie Sterling added 10 points, seven rebounds and a game-highs with six steals and three blocks.

Senior Karole Roberts scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds. Senior Christal Merriweather finished with six points and four rebounds, while junior Nicole Sherman added five points and five rebounds, junior Christina Brown scored four points and senior Kayla Lawrence added a free throw to round out the Drovers’ scoring.

For the game, USAO hit 23 percent (14-of-60) from the field, 12 percent (3-of-26) from 3-point range and 65 percent (15-of-23) from the free throw line. The Drovers collected 41 rebounds, eight assists, seven blocks, 12 steals and committed 17 turnovers.

Katelyn Hinkin led Bethany with 11 points and eight rebounds. Cassie Robertson added eight points, while LaShelle Parker and Esther Dohl finished with seven points each as the Swedes improved to 7-5 on the season.