FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The Bethel Pilots (13-16, 6-12) fell to the No. 9 Saint Francis Cougars (26-3, 15-3) 75-58 today in the Hutzell Athletic Center.
The 2024-25 season marked impressive growth for the Pilots. Bethel finished seventh in the conference and made their first appearance in the Crossroads League Tournament since the 2021-22 season when they ranked eighth.
Ellia Foster ended the season on a high note, posting her season high of fifteen points, and shooting 5-11 from the floor (45.5%). Foster also led the team in three’s, making five out of the ten shots she took (50%).
Olivia Nickerson recorded twelve points and two rebounds for the Pilots.
Justyce Williams totaled nine points for the Bethel offense and led the team in steals (three). Williams also recorded five rebounds.
At the onset of the first, the Cougars challenged Bethel with an eight-point run. Gracie Lambes (8:04) made a shot from behind the arc as the Pilots trailed 8-3.
Bethel saw a scoring drought mid-quarter until Mariah Claywelll hit a jumper in the paint (3:13) and Justyce Williams scored on a fastbreak jumper in the paint at 2:53 (15-7).
With five seconds remaining on the scoreboard, Ellia Foster nailed a three-pointer. The Pilots finished the first down by eight (23-15).
In the second quarter, Jazmyn Smith kicked off the Pilot scoring with a layup in the paint (7:45).
Olivia Nickerson posted two points with a jump shot (3:23) as the Cougars led 33-21.
Ellia Foster once again showcased her shooting accuracy at the end of the half, sinking a shot from downtown (1:29).
Bethel ended the half down 41-24.
At the onset of the third, Olivia Nickerson posted a jumper in the paint to put the first Bethel points on the board (8:45). Nickerson recorded seven points for the quarter.
Justyce Williams totaled five points for the quarter, following a free throw at the line (1:54).
Ellia Foster once again concluded the quarter with a three-pointer (1:04). She hit a season-high for three’s made in a single game (five). The Pilots concluded the third down 60-43.
In the final quarter, Mariah Claywell made the first Bethel basket with a layup in the paint (9:14).
Despite both teams totaling an equal number of points in the fourth (fifteen), Bethel could not overcome the point deficit they surrendered in the first half.
Paige Walton put the final points for Bethel on the board with a free throw at 1:03, as the Pilots finished the game 75-58.
Freshmen Olivia Nickerson and Isabel Scales totaled 336 and 221 points respectively in their inaugural season. Junior Mariah Claywell posted 237 points and will bring great leadership as a senior this fall.
With five more conference wins recorded than the 2023-24 season, the Bethel Pilots anticipate continued growth as they look to September for the start of next season.