Lady Cats Meet Dakota Wesleyan in NAIA Quarterfinals
SIOUX CITY, IA- After winning a hard-fought game Friday over Lewis-Clark State, the No. 2 seed and No. 3 nationally ranked Bethel Lady Wildcats advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship presented by Bomgaars and Sterlin. The 45th annual championship is taking place at the Tyson Events Center from March 19-24 in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Lady Cats will have a match-up with No. 2 seed and No. 9 nationally ranked Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Bethel, with the win, makes their fourth quarterfinal appearance since 2014.
After a slow start that saw Bethel shoot just 11.8 percent in the opening quarter, the Lady Cats found their rhythm in the second period. Bethel surged ahead with a 22-point second quarter, taking a 33-28 lead into halftime and never relinquishing control. Down 23-15, the Cats scored 18 unanswered points and led 33-28 at the half.
The third quarter proved decisive, as both teams traded punches, but Bethel's efficiency and rebounding edge helped them outscore Lewis-Clark State 27-25. The Lady Cats then closed the game strong in the fourth, holding off a late push to secure the eight-point win.
Leading the way was Mikee Buchanan, who poured in 25 points on an efficient 11-of-20 shooting performance. Madison Hart delivered a dominant double-double with 20 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, anchoring Bethel's commanding 52-36 advantage on the boards. MJ Simmons added 13 points and five assists, while Micah Hart chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
Bethel's presence in the paint proved to be a key difference, outscoring Lewis-Clark State 30-22 inside and adding 12 second-chance points. The Lady Cats also forced 18 turnovers and turned them into key opportunities throughout the contest. Lewis-Clark State was led by Tatum Brager's 20 points, including six three-pointers, while Sitara Byrd added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.
The Lady Cats moved to 28-5 on the season.
After beating Lindsey Wilson 78-53 on Friday, the Tigers are 28-6 on the year. Rylee Rosenquist led DWU with 17 points and eight assists. She was one of three Tigers in double figures.
Dakota Wesleyan plays in the GPAC and is the only team to beat No.1 Dordt this year.
Photo courtesy of Slone Media: https://www.facebook.com/emmettslone.media
Watch:
https://urbanedgenetwork.net/?school=naia-championships
Stats:
https://bethel.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/boxscores/20260320_zaay.xml