Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas College women's basketball team opened its season against the Bethel University Pilots, facing an early challenge from beyond the arc. Despite battling back from an early deficit and briefly taking the lead in the third quarter, the Saints couldn't complete the comeback, falling to the Pilots.
Aquinas - 61, Bethel - 80
Bethel jumped out to an early lead, taking advantage of open looks from the perimeter to build an 8-0 advantage. Kanyla Tyler got the Saints on the board with a layup and converted the free throw to cut the deficit to 8-3.
The Pilots continued to find success offensively, extending their lead before Hope Kanouse added a layup to make it 13-6. Aquinas struggled to slow Bethel's offensive rhythm as the Pilots continued to capitalize on their opportunities, building a 23-8 advantage. Elizabeth Schafer connected on a three-pointer late in the quarter, but the Saints entered the second quarter trailing 23-11.
The Saints came out with renewed energy in the second quarter, putting together seven consecutive points to cut into the deficit. Sophie Klinger opened the scoring with a three-pointer, helping spark the Aquinas offense.
Bethel responded with a nine-point run to regain control at 33-18, but Clemmie Gadwood answered with a layup to stop the momentum. Rhema Dozier followed with a three-pointer, and Tyler added a layup as the Saints continued to chip away at the lead.
Aquinas brought the deficit down to just four points at 35-31, showing signs of a comeback. However, the Pilots responded before halftime, sending the Saints into the break trailing 40-31.
Aquinas carried its momentum into the second half as Dozier opened the scoring with a three-pointer. Kanouse followed with a basket and added another layup to bring the Saints within one at 40-39.
Schafer then connected on a jumper to give Aquinas its first lead of the afternoon at 41-40. The Pilots answered with an eight-point run to regain the advantage, but Dozier knocked down another three-pointer to keep the Saints within reach at 49-44.
Bethel continued to build its lead throughout the remainder of the quarter, while Tyler added a free throw for Aquinas. The Saints entered the final quarter trailing 62-49.
Lauren Meerman opened the fourth quarter by converting two free throws, but the Pilots continued to apply pressure defensively and stretch their lead.
Schafer added a layup to bring the score to 73-55, while MJ Mikus knocked down two free throws to add to the Saints' scoring effort. Despite continued contributions from the Aquinas offense, Bethel maintained its advantage down the stretch and secured the 83-61 victory.
Coaches' Comments
"We have to be better defensively, especially when it comes to defending the three-point line. We gave them too many open looks and allowed them to get comfortable offensively. We showed some good stretches of basketball and fought our way back into the game, but we have to be more consistent on that end of the floor. Moving forward, we need to communicate better, close out on shooters, and make it harder for our opponents to score. Our defensive effort has to be a priority, " said head coach Brian Morris
Saints Snapshots
Up Next
The Saints will look to regroup and get back on track as they prepare for their next matchup against Saint Xavier University on Tuesday, November 3. Aquinas will look to strengthen its defensive effort, improve its perimeter defense, and find consistency on both ends of the floor as they take on the Cougars.
