BETHANY COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 by CAT TOERBER

LINDSBORG, KS- As the sun begins to set a little earlier and the air begins to turn a little cooler that can only mean one thing- it’s basketball season. The Women’s basketball team has been conditioning and practicing since the school year began, but it is finally time for them to begin their season. Coming off a 2-3 record in preseason, the Lady Swedes are hungry to start conference play. Last season, the Lady Swedes finished third in the KCAC and are looking to maintain their competitive presence in the conference. With most of last year’s varsity returning, the season looks to be promising for the women’s team. The Bethany Women’s basketball hopes to allow the momentum from preseason to carry into the start of their conference play

To start their preseason journey, the Lady Swedes opened up with a scrimmage against the Emporia State Hornets. Getting to travel and play some higher competition allowed the team to really hone in on details and specific areas of the game they needed to improve on. Following their scrimmage, they traveled to Omaha, Nebraska where they took on Bellevue and Dickinson State. The Swedes finished the weekend 1-1 with a tough loss to Dickinson State, and an exciting, last-second win against Bellevue. Using the excitement from the previous weekend, the team traveled to University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth to take on Missouri Valley and Mid-America Nazarene. The Swedes handled Missouri Valley Friday night and secured the victory, but fell short on Saturday to Mid-America. After the conclusion of the weekend, the team finished their preseason with a tough loss to the University of Science and Art in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Although the Swedes are sitting with a 2-3 record, each loss was a learning opportunity and has prepared them to being conference play next week.

On the flip side, the JV team has been traveling to junior colleges across Kansas to prepare for their conference season. Although their losses currently outnumber their wins, they are using these games to learn and prepare for conference play.

The Bethany Women’s Basketball team is returning numerous varsity players from last season, but they are also welcoming an exciting group of newcomers. The Swedes welcome two JUCO transfers, one Division II transfer, and eight freshman to the program. Kennedy Becker is a forward from Cloud Community College and Martina Aeschliman is a forward from Coffeyville Community College. Coming from Emporia State is 5’10” forward, Emily Weathers. All of this year’s newcomers have brought new energy and grit to the team and look to be great additions to the program.

As the Swedes look ahead to the rest of their season, they hope to clinch a top finishing spot in conference and make an appearance at NAIA Nationals. With the experience and leadership they have, the Swedes are looking to begin conference play next week with a victory over Kansas Wesleyan. The Swedes will open up conference play November 16 at Kansas Wesleyan at 6:00 pm. Be sure to get out and support your Lady Swedes!