WINONA LAKE, Ind. –The Lady Pilots (8-8, 2-5) steered the ship to victory as they overcame a nine-year dry spell against Grace College (9-8, 2-5), triumphing 77-64 on the road.
The Pilots’ last win over the Lancers was on Jan. 23, 2016, when they won 72-54 at the Manahan OCC.
Olivia Nickerson scored an impressive 26 points for the Pilot offense, shooting 50% (8-16) from three-point range. This is two points shy of her career-high 28 set against the Cleary Cougars earlier this season.
Gracie Lambes shot 4-8 from the floor, contributing 12 points for the Pilots with five assists, and led the team in steals (3).
Caroline Morris posted 13 points for the Pilots, while teammates Hannah Ruddle and Jazmyn Smith each contributed six rebounds.
The Pilots jumped to a 5-0 lead over the Lancers thanks to the work of Lambes and Ruddle. Lambes had a three-pointer at 9:28, assisted by Isabel Scales and Ruddle followed with a jumper at 9:04.
Bethel lost momentum as the Lancers charged back with a ten-point run to put the Pilots down by five (5-10) at 5:56.
At 2:59, Caroline Morris tied the score 13-13 with a layup; the Pilots finished the first quarter trailing 16-25.
Ellia Foster decisively shifted the Bethel offense at the onset of the second quarter with eight points along with a fastbreak layup at 3:09 to bring the Pilots to a 36-35 lead and held off the Lancers to end the half up 41-40.
In the third quarter, Bethel showcased their talent behind the arc as Nickerson and Lambes each downed a three at 8:45 and 6:44 respectively.
The Pilots led the score by ten (61-51) at the start of the fourth quarter. Nickerson once again nailed a three-pointer at 9:20, the first shot by either team. Isabel Scales made both shots at the charity stripe at 2:12 and 1:58 before Bethel completed the win 77-64.
Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared with Paul Condry that he encouraged his players to be “all in” heading into today’s game. With today’s historical win, the Lady Pilots truly delivered on his request.
The Pilots continue the Crossroads League season on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. in Gates Gymnasium, where the Pilots will face the Spring Arbor Cougars.