Bushnell women’s basketball entered Thursday’s game against Warner Pacific University trying to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Beacons opened the game with a layup from Maddie Gerhart and stayed aggressive early, as Ayden Krupke scored six points in the first quarter. Bushnell controlled possession throughout the opening period, but Warner Pacific led 13-6 and held a 17-15 lead at the end of the quarter.
Warner Pacific responded by starting off the second quarter with a layup by KJ Custer and quickly found momentum with five 3-pointers, with Shielteal Watah scoring three 3-pointers for the Knights in the quarter.
Bushnell struggled offensively, committing four turnovers and scoring only seven points, while Warner Pacific put up 24 points to take a 39-24 lead into halftime.
Things started looking up for the Beacons as they started the second half, scoring four points off the bat, leading with an aggressive start and continuously getting rebounds as Krupke got her 1000th career point.
“I think Krupke did well moving the ball, and with as many games as we have, it was bound to happen,” head coach Chad Meadors said. “We’re going to celebrate her four years of accomplishments.”
Despite the momentum, Bushnell struggled to contain the Knights’ offense, which relied on layups and free throws. The third quarter ended with Warner Pacific maintaining a 53-43 lead.
The Knights continued their 3-pointer shots with Bryten Gumke shooting two 3-pointers for the Knights at the start.
The final quarter became increasingly physical, as both teams were called for six personal fouls. Gerhart and Custer each picked up four fouls, while Ciena Tumoine fouled out. Officials sent both teams to their benches twice due to the intensity of play.
Bushnell made a late push in the last two minutes as Gerhart made two free throws to get the score to 66-62.
With three seconds left and down by three, Krupke attempted a game-tying shot but missed, allowing Warner Pacific to secure a 70-66 win.
“We talked about having pride and deciding who we are,” Meadors said. “What happened in the second quarter was not our play. We started strong but didn’t sustain it, and it’s frustrating not being consistent enough to play four quarters.”Bushnell had an early lead but struggled shooting the ball and spent the remainder of the game trying to regain momentum. Gerhart and Krupke each finished with 17 points, while Tumoine added seven points.
The Beacons have their next game on the road against Northwest University on January 30th.