It was a game where Troy was trying to get things turned around after a rough start, while Bethel was in pursuit of their first 4-0 start in many years. The Trojans used a big start to the game to sprint out to a big lead, and hold on for a 45-31 win over the Bees last week at the Hive.

The Trojans bolted out to a 12-0 lead, and from that point, the teams were even as Troy won their first game of the year.

“It was a great start, and Bethel did a great job playing us a little better than even the rest of the second half,” said Troy coach Nathan Kopp. “I was proud of the girls’ effort, we got some turnover and easy baskets and that helped.”

“Alexis Otstot again is producing with three three’s and 11 points,” he added, also praising Alaura Holycross and Stephanie Chavis and the versatile play of Bailey Hess.

“For the first time all year we shot better that 50 percent from the free throw line.”

Troy jumped out quick, as Bailey Hess hit an early three, and two minutes later, Otstot scored five quick points to give the Trojans a 10-0 lead. Becky Schweiterman put Bethel on the board with 2:29 left in the opening period, but the Trojans led 17-4 after the opening quarter.

Bethel fought back, and scored 10 of the next 12 points, as five different Bees scored to cut their deficit to 21-14 with 3:05 left in the half. Nobody scored another field goal in the half, as Troy took a 22-14 lead into the half.

The Bees fought in the third period, as Alaina Hawthorn scored four points in the period, and Bethel only trailed by seven early in the third. But Troy went on an 11-6 run to end the quarter to take their lead back out to 34-20 after three.

“We cut down on the turnovers in the second half,” Bees coach Mark Mays said. “We fought back and the defense had a lot to do with that. Our offense started to run the things we were trying to run, and the complexity of the game changed.”

Otstot led the way for the Trojans with 11 points, while Holycross added 10 and Chavis scored eight. Bethel was led by Hawthorn 12 points, including a long range prayer at the buzzer. Courtney Schmidt and Schweiterman each added six.

Troy travels to Springboro tonight before playing in the Miami East Invitational this weekend. Bethel returns to action hosting Tri-Village tomorrow night at 7 p.m. and heads to Yellow Springs on Saturday.

*Bethel defeated Mississinawa Valley last week 52-35 after leading 32-8 at the half.

Schweiterman led Bethel with 16, Hawthorn added 14 and Grable 10.

Bethel plays Tri-Village tomorrow night.