MISHAWAKA, Ind.– The Bethel Pilots (12-12, 5-9) triumphed over the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars (14-10, 6-8) today in the Gates Gymnasium 74-62.
Four pilots recorded double digits for scoring: Mariah Claywell, Ellia Foster, Gracie Lambes, and Olivia Nickerson.
Mariah Claywell hit a new season high for the Pilots, scoring nineteen points. This is one point more than her previous high (18) against the Huntington University Foresters on Jan. 29, 2025.
Ellia Foster also scored a new high with 13 points, overcoming her previous 12 points against the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats last Saturday (Feb. 1).
Gracie Lambes posted 12 points for the Pilot offense, and Olivia Nickerson recorded 11 points.
The Pilots gained an early lead in the first quarter, as Mariah Claywell put the first points on the scoreboard with a jumper at 9:18. Isabel Scales followed with another jump shot (8:51) to bring Bethel up 4-0.
The lead proved essential for Bethel as the Cougars offense pressed forward by tying the score 6-6 and 8-8 mid-quarter. Ellia Foster made a shot from downtown to put Bethel up 13-9 at 4:22.
Mariah Claywell stayed consistent, nailing a jump shot at 1:10 and sinking both free throw attempts with thirty seconds left on the clock. The Pilots concluded the first up 17-14.
In the second quarter, Claywell initiated the Pilots’ scoring by splitting a pair at the charity stripe (9:38).
With 26 seconds left on the clock, Jazmyn Smith made both free throw attempts to solidify the Pilots’ first-half lead. Bethel finished the first half up 32-30.
In the third quarter, Olivia Nickerson started off the Pilot scoring with two free throws at 9:29. Gracie Lambes sank a shot behind the arc (7:01) as Bethel led 39-32.
The Pilots showcased their shooting skills as the quarter neared its conclusion. Ellia Foster downed two three-pointers (2:26, 1:25), and Faith Davis made one (1:46).
Bethel led by eleven points after the third quarter, 57-46.
In the fourth quarter, the Cougars had a small four-point run, interrupted by Foster’s jump shot (8:51). Though Mount Vernon persisted in narrowing Bethel’s lead, Nickerson sank a three-pointer (6:30) to bring the Pilots’ score 64-54.
The Pilots further showcased their offensive abilities with a jumper by Claywell (5:35) and a layup by Lambes (4:59). Bethel concluded the game 74-62 over the Cougars.
The Pilots continue the Crossroads League season on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. They will travel to face the Marian University Knights in the Physical Education Center.