MANKATO, Minn. - The defense of Bethany women's basketball stole the show Wednesday evening in a 62-30 win over Crown. The Vikings, now 6-10 overall and 3-0 in the UMAC, allowed 30 or fewer points for just the third time in the Division III era (since 2004) and fewest since 2019.
Both teams got off to a slow start with a 2-2 score after the first five minutes of the game. The Vikings closed out the quarter on an 18-2 run, capped by a Morgan Hulke three to take an 18-4 lead into the second quarter. The Viking defense continued to stand tall in the second quarter, allowing just three points and 7.7 percent shooting from the Polars. Bethany led 36-7 at half.
The Vikings continued to add to their lead in the third and carried a 47-15 advantage into the fourth, allowing Head Coach Emma Purfeerst to empty her bench in the fourth. All 15 players saw time on the court with 11 different players scoring. Sheridan Kennedy led the way with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor, including six rebounds. Amelia Walker added 10 points and a team-high seven boards.
Bethany shot 37.7 percent and limited Crown to a 17.2 percent clip. The Vikings out-rebounded the Polars 52-36 and scored 17 points off 17 turnovers.
Bethany has this weekend off and is back in action next Wednesday at Martin Luther.
