JACKSONVILLE – Bethel Christian Academy claimed third place in the North Carolina Christian Athletic Conference here last weekend.

The Lady Eagles (20-7) defeated Jacksonville Christian Academy 48-31 in the third-place contest at the tournament after suffering a 48-28 setback in the semifinals.

Kelsie Conner led the Lady Eagles during the third place game, checking in with 18 points to go with eight rebounds and a steal.

Jessica Howerton recorded a double-double with 11 points and 16 boards. She added five blocks.

Elizabeth Farmer also had a solid contest with 14 points and six steals. Charitee Dunlow added 14 rebounds on the afternoon to go with three points. Alyssa Fairless had two points and two rebounds. Kristen Adams added five assists in the outing.

Bethel jumped out to an early 9-5 lead after one quarter and then pitched a shutout in the second period as they kept Jacksonville off the scoreboard.

The Bethel offense meanwhile checked in with an even dozen points and led 21-5 at the intermission.

The Lady Eagles continued to add to their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Conquerors 18-14 to take a comfortable 39-19 lead heading into the final quarter. Once there, the Bethel team put it on cruise control and claimed the victory.

In the first game of the tournament, the second-seeded Lady Eagles trailed Gramercy Christian School 25-21 heading into the final quarter, but a disastrous fourth period led to a 48-28 win for the Lady Warriors.

Farmer led Bethel’s attack in the contest with 11 points and two rebounds. Dunlow added six points, three rebounds and three assists.

Conner, who played despite being ill, recorded five points, two rebounds and two steals.  Howerton had 11 rebounds in the contest to go with four points.

Adams had two points, three rebounds and two steals.

Rebekah Williams led Gramercy with a double-double, recording 21 points and 11 rebounds. Amy Koran added 12 points.

Bethel is now 20-7 overall heading into next week’s national tournament in Tennessee.