HESSTON, Kan. - The Hesston College women's basketball team came up just short in a tight season opener, falling 73–70 to York (NE) on Saturday afternoon in Hesston. The Larks and Panthers traded momentum throughout the game, with Hesston holding a slim 15–16 deficit after the first quarter and taking a 32–25 lead midway through the second behind strong inside scoring and defensive energy. York responded with a surge in the third quarter to pull even, setting up a competitive fourth period. Hesston built an eight-point lead with just over two minutes remaining, but a late York run, fueled by turnovers and transition baskets, swung the final result.

Presley Wilson led Hesston with 14 points, knocking down two threes and going 6-for-8 at the free-throw line. Mariah Hall and Mia Curtis each added 13 points, with Hall contributing four rebounds, three assists, and three steals, and Curtis finishing a perfect 6-for-6 from the field while collecting six rebounds. Brooke Bettis provided nine points and six boards, while Sarah Beltran added nine points, four assists, and four steals off the bench. The Larks shot 42% from the field and 74% from the free-throw line and received a major boost from their reserves, who combined for 41 bench points.

The Larks will be back in action on Tuesday (Oct. 28) as they take on McPherson College at 6:30 p.m.