The Friends University women’s basketball team had a successful weekend, winning both of its conference games and moving to 9-1 overall.

The Falcons came home Thursday night and were victorious against No. 13 Southwestern College, winning 56-53. On Saturday, the Falcons traveled to Newton and soundly defeated Bethel College, 76-51.

“The preparation paid off for us this weekend, and it showed on the court for sure,” freshman Keley Porter said. “It was good for us to bounce back from the loss in Nebraska.”

The women suffered their only loss the previous weekend, to Hastings College in the Hastings Classic tournament in Nebraska.

The Falcons spent the week conditioning hard and going over defense for the Southwestern game, Porter said. The game plan worked for Coach Gayla Soyez and the Falcons as they held the Moundbuilders to 53 points.

Kristina Jones led the Lady Falcons with 15 points and 10 boards while Megan VinZant added 12 points.

The Falcons started the game strong and held the led the entire game after a 2-2 tie. The game wasn’t close until toward the end.

The Falcons won easily against Bethel using leading scorer Liz Barton’s 24 points to set the pace.

“We seemed to be hitting our shots against Bethel, and that is what gave us the biggest edge,” Porter said.

The Falcons are now 2-0 in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and 9-1 overall. The Falcons will be at home tonight at 6 for action against Sterling College.