Slow start dooms Lady Lions

February 4, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — Back in action after a week of respite, the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions traveled north for a Mid-South Conference matchup with the Bethel (Tenn.) University Lady Wildcats. A 22-6 opening quarter stunned the Lady Lions, who ultimately fell 69-59.

The FHU Lady Lions (16-8, 10-8 MSC) were down early when the first shot of the game from the hosting Lady Wildcats found its way into the hoop from long range before a pair of layups gave Bethel a 7-0 start. FHU would answer with a layup and a jumper from Kelsey Bender and KJ White to see FHU down 7-4 with 5:31 remaining. White's layup with 4:50 to go in the first quarter were the last points scored by FHU. Meanwhile, Bethel bucketed 13 unanswered points including a set of 3-pointers to end the quarter with a 16-point advantage 22-6.

Madisyn Baugher and Rees Berkey took the second quarter into their hands, scoring all 14 of the Lady Lion points in the second quarter. After both knocked down triples, Bethel (10-14, 6-12 MSC) saw its lead shrink to nine points. Another big run from the Lady Cats would see the hosts bucket 10 unanswered points to jump ahead by 19. Baugher's free throw was followed by a Berkey layup to end the first half with the Lady Lions trailing 36-20.

The third quarter was the KJ White show when the senior guard tallied 13 of her 20 points. Unfortunately for FHU, Bethel would hit three consecutive 3-point field goals in a one-minute span to jump to a 45-22 advantage. White's layup with eight ticks remaining in the quarter set the Lady Lions needing a 21-point swing in the fourth quarter as they trailed 57-36.

While short of 21, the Lady Lions did come out valiantly in the final frame, utilizing a 14-0 run to pull within single digits, with Elli Chumley's layup with 3:07 remaining setting the score at 65-56. The Lady Lions could narrow the gap no further, as the horn sounded the final of a 69-59 defeat.

KJ White led the FHU offense, going 9-17 to tally 20 points. Rees Berkey's season-high of 17 points was on the heels of a 3-6 afternoon from long range. Elli Chumley grabbed eight boards while Rachel Satterly doled out three assists in the loss.

Up Next

The Lady Lions continue their road trip by heading to the Buckeye State to face the Lady Bulldogs of Wilberforce (Ohio) University. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 9.