MISHAWAKA, Ind. - Grace College's women's basketball team couldn't keep pace with the Bethel Pilots, falling 86-61 on Wednesday night.

The Lancers (11-16, 3-14 Crossroads League) struggled from the field allowing the Pilots to pull away for the victory.

Bethel (19-8, 10-7 CL) edged out to an early 5-2 lead but the game was quickly brought even thanks to a trifecta from Emma Sperry.

Kate Thomas added a pair of the free throw line and Braylin Terrell finished inside as Grace tailed 12-9 at the midpoint of the quarter.

The Lancers went a stretch of nearly five minutes without a made field goal but efficient shooting at the charity stripe kept the Lancers with four points late in the frame. However, the deficit would grow to 10 points as the Pilots closed the final 1:16 of the quarter on a 6-0 run to lead 25-15.

Bethel continued the scoring run in the second frame, scoring the nine points of the quarter. Becca Gerdt ended the run with a tough finish inside after grabbing an offensive rebound.

Morganne Houk drilled a 3-point field goal and Terrell added a pair but the Lancers as Grace struggled to keep pace with the high powered Bethel offense.

Gerdt scored again to bring her first half total to six points but a late score from the Pilots sent Grace into the half trailing 86-61.

Bekah Longembaugh scored just second into the second half but Bethel took advantage of a stagnant Lancer offense to push the lead to 26 points.

Houk added another shot from beyond the arc but it was one of just five made baskets from the field for the Lancers in the frame. The Lancers went 7-14 from the free throw line and trailed 73-45 entering the fourth quarter.

The final frame proved to be Grace's best as they outscored Bethel 16-13. Sperry scored the first points of the frame but it was Gerdt who led the way for Grace. She drilled a 3-point shot on the way to scoring seven consecutive for the Lancers.

Paula Fernandez and Molly Long got on the score sheet late for the Lancers who were unable to close the gap, falling 86-61.

Grace shot just 31 percent in the game while Bethel hit at a 49 percent clip. Both teams made six 3-point shots while Bethel held a 46-37 advantage on the boards.

Gerdt narrowly missed a double double with 16 points and nine rebounds. Sperry added 13 points.

The Lancers will close out the regular season on Saturday against Goshen. Grace's senior class will be honored following the conclusion of the game.