MISHAWAKA, Ind. —On Thursday evening, the Bethel Pilots (1-0) defeated the Holy Cross Saints (0-2) 92-73 in the Gates Gymnasium.
Gracie Lambes kicked off the 2025 season with 19 points, a career high for the Pilot.
The sophomore guard broke her previous high of 18, recorded in Bethel’s home matchup against the Defiance College Yellowjackets during her freshman year (Nov. 8, 2024).
Isabel Scales had her first double-double of the 2025 season with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Mariah Claywell shot 50 percent from the field (8-16 FG) and was the second leading scorer for the Pilots (18 points).
In the opening quarter, the Pilots claimed an early 7-0 lead. With a pair at the line, Olivia Nickerson established a double-digit lead for the Pilots (16-6).
Freshmen Joslyn Marshall (1:11, First) and Isabella Nooe (9:28, Second) hit their first shots from downtown in Bethel blue.
Holy Cross chipped away at the ten point deficit as the half neared its conclusion. Brock Bitterman nailed a layup as Bethel entered into the half up 43-35.
In the third quarter, Luvrain Gaskins contributed to the freshmen frenzy with back-to-back layups, assisted by Hannah Ruddle and Justyce Williams. Annabelle Willhite also got in the action with her own layup towards the end of the fourth (1:13).
Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared, “Tonight was a great team win–we got quality contributions from everyone who stepped on the floor. Our energy on the glass was outstanding with (Jazmyn) Smith and Isabel Scales both getting 11 rebounds.”
Senior Mariah Claywell wrote, “The first game of the season always sets the tone for what’s to come, and I am so proud of my team for how they handled themselves tonight. We have big strides to make, but I couldn’t be any more blessed with who I get to share the floor with.”
Claywell continued, “Every day we go out with our best effort and a high standard, and I am confident that we will make our Pilot family proud this year. As a senior, I see so much potential for this group of girls, and I truly believe we can do big things. This is just the beginning.”
The next matchup for the Pilots will take place on Fri, Nov. 7 at the Val Weinstein Classic, hosted by Grace College at the Manahan OCC. Bethel will face Lawrence Tech, who currently stands at 0-1 following their loss to the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars.