Northwestern, Bethel Wins Season Openers

Northwestern battled from behind to defeat Troy on opening night 45-36. Troy led 9-1 midway through the first quarter and 9-4 after one period of play.

“We didn’t get our first lead until it was late in the third period,” Northwestern coach Aaron Stewart said. “We got our shooters to the line late, and Abby Zerkle, Korynne Berner and Cameryn Ciresi all hit some free throws down the stretch for us.”

“It was great for the girls, I have been preaching to them we are senior loaded, it is their last season opener to play on this court,” Stewart said. “They had the determination to not let this one get away. During one timeout, Abby told her teammates we were not going to lose this game. It was a great win for us against a D1 team.”

Zerkle led Northwestern with 20 points, while Troy’s Kennedi Kyzer also scored 20 to lead the Trojans. Alaura Holycross added six points for the Trojans.

Northwestern travels to Greenon Saturday night at 7:30

Bethel

Bethel Bees defeated Piqua in their season opener on Saturday 38-27 to start off the season with a huge road victory.

“I think the whole key was only seven turnovers in the game,” Bethel coach Mark Mays said. “We took care of the ball, and we grew up today.”

“For a while it was nip and tuck and our press wore them down and we started to get some layups.”

Tia Koewler led Bethel with 11, Alaina Hawthorn added nine, Becky Schweiterman scored eight.

“Kayla Grable was the defensive stopper and played a great game,” Mays added. “She really turned it up a notch. I told them to enjoy it because we have to get back at it”

Bethel JV also won 52-38, led by Maddie Callaham led with 17.

* Tecumseh opened their girls’ basketball season last night, while all of the boys’ teams begin the season this coming weekend. The wresting teams at Troy, Troy Christian, Tippecanoe, Greenon, Northwestern and Tecumseh open their season next week.