UPLAND, Ind. –The Lady Pilots (8-10, 2-7) fell to the Trojans (6-13, 1-8) in Odle Arena, 59-75 on Saturday.
Mariah Claywell scored a season-high 18 points and eight rebounds against the Trojans. Her previous high was six boards against Rochester Christian on Dec. 12, 2024.
Isabel Scales also broke her season high for total steals in a single game with four and Gracie Lambes posted 15 points against the Trojans, alongside three assists and two steals. She hit her season high for free throws made in a game (seven).
In the first quarter, Scales knocked down the first point for the Bethel offense with a jumper off the window (8:15), which tied the game 2-2.
The Trojans’ offense showcased a 13-point run to get an early 17-4 lead at 5:20 in the first quarter.
Hannah Ruddle nailed a triple at 3:15 to bring the Pilots to 7-20. Faith Davis got a steal that led to Foster’s layup at 1:10 but they trailed, 24-9. The Pilots ended the first quarter down 24-10.
Justyce Williams recorded a three-pointer at 2:10, and to end the quarter, Jazmyn Smith put the final points on the board with a layup at 0:49, narrowing the Trojan lead to 35-28.
In the third quarter, Claywell nailed a jumper at 9:32, thanks to an assist by Scales. Lambes built off their momentum with a three-pointer at 8:53, assisted by Claywell (33-40). Williams and Lambes each downed jumpers at 1:39 and 0:43 respectively. Bethel ended the quarter down by ten (43-53).
At the beginning of the fourth, Claywell and Nickerson continued to decrease the Pilot deficit. Claywell nailed a jumper at 9:07, and, at 8:35 Nickerson recorded a three-pointer.
Scales continued to chip away for Bethel with a layup at 6:25, bringing the Pilots’ score 50-60. Claywell put the final points up for the Pilots at 3:05. Bethel would ultimately fall 75-59 as they battle to pass the Grace Lancers for the final spot in the Crossroads League Tournament.
The Pilots continue the Crossroads League season on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 6:00 p.m. in Gates Gymnasium, where they will take on Grace Christian University.