Sioux City, Iowa – The #16 Bethel Lady Cats pulled off a stunning comeback against #2 Southern Oregon, earning a hard-fought 74-70 victory and punching their ticket to the Fab Four. The game, played in the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, clutch performances, and relentless determination.
Southern Oregon came out strong, dominating the paint and pushing the tempo early. They built a commanding 23-14 lead in the first quarter, with Meghan McIntyre leading the charge, scoring 15 points while orchestrating the offense with six assists. The Lady Cats found themselves trailing by nine after the first frame and facing an uphill battle.
The second quarter saw Bethel struggling to find their rhythm as Southern Oregon maintained their intensity. The Lady Cats managed to close the gap to one at one time (30-29) but a late thrust by SOU helped them lead at halftime 40-29.
The third quarter proved pivotal. The Raiders led 44-29 with 6:47 left in the quarter, but Bethel found energy, catching fire from beyond the arc. Senior Kalynn Howard hit four of five shots from three-point range, sparking a 26-point outburst that saw Bethel surge ahead. Kylie Reynolds added 13 points, contributing key baskets during the run.
As the fourth quarter began, Bethel faced relentless pressure from Southern Oregon. The Raiders led 56-55 after three. The Lady Cats’ defense stepped up, forcing tough shots and limiting Southern Oregon to just 31.6% shooting in the final frame. Micah Hart delivered in the clutch, scoring seven of her game-high 22 points in the last five minutes, while Bethel’s free-throw shooting sealed the victory.
Bethel’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure earned them a spot in the Fab Four for the first time in program history. Their balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures, and their board work, out-rebounding Southern Oregon 43-39, proved decisive.
Madison Hart helped with crucial rebounds and free throws, finishing the night with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Howard finished with 14 points.
Bethel’s superior free throw shooting proved to be decisive in the end, as they converted 76 percent of their attempts from the line. SOU was 2-of-6 from the line.
Coach Chris Nelson said in his post-game remarks captured the moment perfectly: “This team never quits. We believed in each other, stayed composed, and executed when it mattered most. I’m incredibly proud of their heart and fight.” Nelson added, “So many different players stepped up with huge plays. This win is a credit to their passion and determination. We look forward to next week and a chance to continue this magical ride.”
Bethel moved to 27-7 while Southern Oregon finished their season at 34-1.
The Cats play in the national semi-finals on Monday night at 5 p.m. They face No. 1 Dordt who defeated Marian.
