Lady Cats Soar in Second Road Contest, Roll Past Culver-Stockton 86–60
CANTON, Mo. - The Bethel Lady Wildcats continued their scorching start to the 2025–26 season, improving to 2–0 with a commanding 86–60 road victory over Culver-Stockton on Sunday afternoon inside the Charles Field House in Canton, Missouri.
From the opening tip, Bethel's balanced attack and efficiency set the tone. The Lady Cats shot 51.9% from the field and an impressive 42.1% from beyond the arc, while forcing 13 turnovers and dominating the glass with a 36–29 rebounding advantage.
Hart & Hart Lead the Charge
Senior forward Madison Hart was unstoppable in the paint, pouring in a game-high 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting while adding six rebounds and three blocks. Her sister, Micah Hart, matched the energy with 14 points, three assists, and two steals, proving again to be the team's emotional anchor.
"Madison was relentless," said head coach Chris Nelson "She sets the tone for us with her effort and poise. Micah's leadership just keeps us composed when we need it."
Balanced Scoring and Depth Shine
The Lady Cats' starting five all found their way onto the scoresheet, with Mikee Buchanan contributing 17 points and five rebounds, including a pair of key threes in the second quarter that helped Bethel open up a 49–32 halftime lead.
MJ Simmons (seven points, six rebounds) and Kylie Reynolds (five points, four rebounds, three steals) rounded out a well-rounded starting unit.
Bethel's bench also played a pivotal role, adding 19 points—highlighted by Laura Nichols' perfect 2-for-2 shooting from the floor and Adalyn Koelling's six rebounds and gritty defensive play. Sophomore, Kylee Alexander chipped in with a timely three-pointer and three assists in 24 minutes of action.
Defensive Pressure, Offensive Flow
The Lady Cats' defense frustrated the Wildcats of Culver-Stockton, limiting them to just 39.7% shooting and only four made free throws on the night. Bethel's ability to close possessions with rebounding and convert on the other end proved decisive, outscoring CSC 30–22 in the paint and 13–3 on second-chance opportunities.
"Our defensive rebounding was the difference," Coach Nelson said. "We limited their second looks and pushed the tempo when we needed to."
Culver-Stockton Fights Hard
For the home side, Avery Oetting led with 15 points, while Misora Nambara added 13 points and six rebounds. Culver-Stockton shot a sharp 47.6% from three but struggled to generate consistent interior offense and get to the free-throw line.
Lady Cats Return Home for Homecoming and Chamber Classic
After two convincing road wins, Bethel now turns its attention to a big weekend in McKenzie, as the Lady Cats host Homecoming and the Chamber Classic inside Crisp Arena.
- �� Friday, October 31 – 4:00 PM CDT
Bethel vs. Johnson (TN)
Homecoming Tipoff Game
- �� Saturday, November 1 – 4:00 PM CDT
Bethel vs. #10 Indiana Wesleyan (IN)
Chamber Classic
Coach Nelson and the Lady Cats will look to ride their momentum into a pair of home tests that promise energy, excitement, and a packed Crisp Arena crowd.