Royals Show Fight in Season Opener at #2 Bethel

McKenzie, Tenn. – The Johnson University women's basketball team opened its 2025–26 season on the road Friday afternoon, falling 77–58 to Bethel University (TN) in a competitive matchup that showed plenty of promise for the young Royals squad.

After a slow first half, the Royals found their rhythm offensively, outscoring Bethel 35–22 in the second half. Johnson shot 34% from the field and 33% from three, while knocking down 86% of their free throws.

Sophomore guard Jadyn Cooper led the Royals with a standout performance, scoring 18 points on 8-of-17 shooting and grabbing 7 rebounds. Megan Biliter added 8 points and 4 rebounds, while Gibson Boykin and Kelsey Holt each chipped in 6 points from beyond the arc. Emery Tollett pulled down 6 rebounds, and Hailey Brooks added 5 points off the bench.

Johnson totaled 27 rebounds and 7 assists in the contest, showing grit and determination against a Bethel team that came out hot early.

"I was proud of the way we responded in the second half," said Head Coach Bryon Lawhon. "Our energy picked up, and we started playing the kind of basketball we know we're capable of."

The Royals (0–1) will look to build on the strong second-half effort as they continue non-conference play next week.