Elsah, Ill. -- Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team faced the Screaming Eagles of Spalding University in their first game of 2012.  Principia showed some new year jitters early and soon found themselves in an early hole, one that would prove too much for them to climb back out of.  Bothered by Spadling's full court pressure, Principia turned the ball over several times, preventing them from finding a rhythm on offense.  However, despite their offensive woes, Prin took a stand on defense, and after a slow first five minutes Prin held Spalding to 18 points for the rest of the half.  The defensive surge was led in large part by junior captain Sarah Corbitt and freshman Torie DeNicholas, as well as a flurry of defensive boards for senior captain Lindsay Sydness.  

The 2nd half was more of the same, with several turnovers and limited shots for the Principia squad.  But here and there the Prin squad showed flashes of the team that they will become, with some solid offensive possessions and some strong defensive stands.  Principia looks to continue to improve with the new year, and looks forward to the next opportunity to show what Principia College women's basketball really looks like.  Principia plays next on Tuesday, January 10th at MacMurray College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.