Lady Cats Punch Ticket to Fab Four

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The #16 Bethel Lady Cats staged a stunning comeback against #2 Southern Oregon, securing a thrilling 74-70 victory and earning their first-ever trip to the Fab Four. The battle at the Tyson Events Center was a showcase of resilience, momentum swings, and clutch performances that will be remembered for years to come.

Southern Oregon set the tone early, dominating the paint and pushing the tempo. Led by Meghan McIntyre’s 15 first-quarter points and six assists, the Raiders built a commanding 23-14 lead after the opening frame, leaving Bethel facing an uphill climb.

The Lady Cats struggled to find their rhythm in the second quarter, briefly cutting the deficit to one (30-29), but a late surge from Southern Oregon extended their lead to 40-29 at halftime.

Then, the game flipped.

With 6:47 left in the third quarter, Bethel found themselves down 44-29. But instead of folding, they ignited. Senior Kalynn Howard caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling four three-pointers as part of a 26-point explosion that swung the momentum. Kylie Reynolds added 13 crucial points during the surge, helping Bethel take the lead heading into the final quarter.

Despite relentless pressure from Southern Oregon, Bethel’s defense locked in. The Raiders led 56-55 after three, but down the stretch, the Lady Cats clamped down, holding their opponent to just 31.6% shooting in the final frame.

Micah Hart delivered in the clutch, pouring in seven of her game-high 22 points in the final five minutes. Madison Hart was dominant on the glass, finishing with a double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds), while Howard contributed 14 points, capping off a well-balanced offensive attack.

Bethel’s ability to execute under pressure proved decisive, especially at the free-throw line. The Lady Cats shot 76% from the stripe, compared to Southern Oregon’s 2-of-6 performance. The rebounding battle also tipped in Bethel’s favor, as they edged out the Raiders 43-39 on the boards.

After the game, Coach Chris Nelson captured the significance of the moment,”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.”

He 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.”

With the win, Bethel improves to 27-7, while Southern Oregon’s remarkable season ends at 34-1.

The Lady Cats now prepare for the national semifinals, where they’ll face #1 Dordt on Monday night, March 24, at 5 p.m.