MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Hesston College women's basketball team dropped a 71–43 decision at Manhattan Christian College on Monday afternoon at Howie's Activity Center. The Larks opened the game with strong energy, building an early lead behind efficient shooting and defensive pressure, but Manhattan Christian used a decisive second-quarter run to take control and pull away for the victory.
Hesston led 13–11 after the first quarter, highlighted by a quick start from Brooke Bettis, who scored seven points in the opening frame, including a three-pointer, as the Larks jumped out to a 13–1 advantage midway through the period. Akiva Brown added multiple baskets in the opening minutes, helping Hesston control the tempo early. Manhattan Christian responded late in the quarter with perimeter shooting to trim the deficit heading into the second.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as Manhattan Christian outscored Hesston 25–9, turning a two-point deficit into a double-digit halftime lead. The hosts capitalized on turnovers and free-throw opportunities during the stretch, while Hesston struggled to find offensive rhythm. Manhattan Christian carried a 36–22 advantage into the break.
Hesston battled in the third quarter, matching Manhattan Christian with improved defensive rebounding and interior play. Brown continued to anchor the Larks inside, and Anna McIntire provided energy on the glass and defensively as Hesston kept pace for much of the period. Despite the effort, Manhattan Christian maintained its cushion and extended the lead to 51–33 entering the final quarter.
The fourth quarter belonged to Manhattan Christian, which used efficient scoring and bench contributions to seal the game. Hesston continued to compete, with late baskets from Emma Pfannenstiel and Mia Curtis, but the Larks were unable to close the gap as Manhattan Christian finished the game on a strong run.
Brown led Hesston with a double-double of 11 points and 15 rebounds, while Bettis added 12 points and knocked down two three-pointers. Curtis contributed eight points off the bench, and McIntire finished with eight rebounds, three assists, and a block. Hesston finished with 39 rebounds and forced 11 turnovers, but shot 29.9 percent from the field in the loss.
The Larks will wrap up the 2025 portion of their season on Friday (Dec. 19) as they take on Oklahoma City University at 5:30 p.m.
