MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel University Lady Wildcats fell victim to the No. 1 ranked Campbellsville Lady Tigers Saturday in Crisp Arena. The Tigers remained undefeated with a 69-57 victory. Campbellsville jumped to 9-0 and 5-0 in the MSC. Bethel dropped to 9-10 and 4-8.
It was the 14th meeting between the two with the Tigers holding a 12-2 advantage in the series. Bethel's wins have both come in McKenzie. Campbellsville has won seven in a row in the series.
Bethel fought the entire game and had their chances. CU led 33-28 at the half. The Lady Cats kept it close in the third and trailed by just six at 50-44 at the end of the quarter. The first five minutes of the fourth stanza proved to be big for the visitors from the Commonwealth. Bethel had several open shots but could not convert and Campbellsville took advantage and moved out to a 60-44 margin.
Millie Bryant and Jani Crawford scored 18 each to lead the Lady Wildcats. Mickey Head had a game high 10 rebounds.
Campbellsville was led by Madison Sheppard who tied her career high with 17 points. The junior made the best of her first career start with seven rebounds, three assist and three steals. Sammy Rogers had 15 points while Sarah Sutton followed with 12 tallies. Courtney Pritchett completed the Tiger double figure scoring with 11 points.
Campbellsville had a 31-22 margin on the boards. The Tigers enjoyed a 15-2 advantage in second chance points. CU saw their bench have a 16-8 margin in the game.
Coach Chris Nelson commented, "Today was a hard fought contest versus an opponent worthy of their #1 ranking. Our kids are growing up and fighting but not seeing it translate into the win column. In the last week we have played #9, #4, #1 and our rival on the road. With any other schedule we could cover up our weaknesses and have built in feel good moments but with this league it is forcing us to grow up fast and to get better. I honestly think we are getting better. Our team chemistry is great and we are battling. We eventually have to turn our efforts into the win column and I think things will snow ball for our team in a positive direction."
The Lady Wildcats return to action Monday hosting Cumberland University at 4:30 p.m. Watch the game on Wildcats Vision at www.bethelathletics.com
