SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team held off a determined Bethel University squad to secure a 61-56 home victory Wednesday night in Crossroads League action.
 
The win moved the Cougars to 14-2 overall and 5-1 in league play.
 
Spring Arbor set the tone early, building a 20–13 advantage after the opening quarter and taking a 29–23 lead into halftime. The Pilots, who entered the contest fresh off an upset of No. 20 Huntington University, answered in the third quarter, battling back to tie the game at 36-36 with 3:00 remaining in the period. However, a late basket from Rielyn Goodwin helped SAU regain momentum and carry a 41-38 lead into the final 10 minutes.
 
The Cougars opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run to stretch the margin to double digits, but Bethel continued to apply pressure and trimmed the deficit to two with 44 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, SAU missed a 3-point attempt, but Alayna Kulesza secured a crucial offensive rebound, forcing the Pilots to foul. Spring Arbor then sealed the win at the free throw line down the stretch.
 
Megan Zeitz led the Cougars with 12 points while Haven Chapman added 10 points and nine rebounds. Kulesza finished with nine points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, providing key contributions on both ends as SAU earned its 14th win of the season.
 
Spring Arbor visits Goshen College (3-13, 0-6 CL) on Saturday, Jan. 10. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.