Bethany Returns from Break with Loss at Westminster

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The Bethany women's basketball team did not have the start to the New Year it was hoping for Wednesday, as the Bison fell by a 72-49 count at Westminster.

Bethany (4-8, 2-3) had to come from behind from the outset, as the Titans (5-7, 3-2) scored the first four points and grabbed an early 9-2 lead. Later in the period, the Bison, who shot just 27 percent (7-26) in the first half, were within nine at 25-16 following a bucket from junior Taylor Verrico. But BC would go the final seven minutes without a field goal, as Westminster closed the period with an 11-2 spurt to take a 36-18 advantage into the locker room.

The Bison came out of intermission with a flurry, scoring six straight, including four from sophomore Monica Westerheide, to trim the Titan margin to 36-24. Westminster, who made 7-of-10 from the arc in the game, used a pair of treys and a conventional three-point play from Hannah Shaffer, to increase its lead back to 52-29. The next run belonged to the Green and White, as Verrico had five of Bethany's next seven, which brought BC within 52-36 at the midway point of the half.

That was as close as the Bison would get the rest of the night. The next big run belonged to the Titans, who used a 12-2 push to balloon their cushion to 67-40 with five minutes to play and Westminster went on to the win, as Bethany's five-game winning streak over the Titans came to an end.

The Bison, who made only 2-of-14 from the three-point line and 33 percent (18-54) from the field for the game, as two scorers reach double digits. Verrico hit for 14 and Westerheide set a career-high with 12 points and also grabbed a team-best six rebounds.

Four Titans posted 10 or more points in the contest, led by Jenn Cantella. She cashed in 5-of-6 from deep and finished with 20 points, while Katie Hughes tallied 16, Gabby Holko scored 14 and Andi Ridge hit for a dozen.

Bethany will remain on the road Saturday for the second of three straight games away from Hummel Field House. The Bison travel to Saint Vincent Saturday for a 1 p.m. tip-off with the Bearcats.