LOUISVILLE, KY. -- This afternoon the Principia College women's basketball team faced the Golden Eagles of Spalding University in their 2nd meeting of the season.  Having lost to Spalding the first time around by almost 40 points, Principia was looking to make the long trip worth it and even the score.  And the 1st half couldn't have been played any better.  Principia came out fighting, setting the tone with intense defense (they held Spalding to 8% from beyond the arc) and disciplined offense.  Despite being slightly outnumbered -- Principia had 6 players who logged minutes compared to Spalding's 11 -- Principia outworked Spalding, with the only real discrepancy being on the offensive boards (10-2 in Spalding's favor).  With such a consistent, hard-fought 1st half Principia surprised everyone in the gym by going into the locker room at halftime up 22-20.

The 2nd half had similar characteristics as the 1st, with hard work and intensity.  With the exception of the first 6 minutes.  Spalding came out hot to start the 2nd half with a 22-0 run, and before Principia could regroup, they were down 20 points.  The combination of improved 3-point shooting by Spalding, and the increase in Principia's turnovers (they had 7 turnovers in the 1st half, but ended with 23 on the game) proved disastrous for the Principia squad.  After that, the game settled, but the hole proved too big for Principia to climb out of.  Even though Principia turned the ball over just two more times than Spalding, getting out-rebounded 37-52 was a definite challenge.  But despite the statistical shortcomings, there was no doubt which squad fought harder throughout the game.  Freshman forward Karina Olsen once again hit the boards hard with 7 on the game.  Freshman forward Torie DeNicholas had a game high 8 rebounds with her 7 points.  Junior captain Sarah Corbitt continued her stellar performance from the point guard position and added 9 points and 6 boards to the mix.  Freshman guard Becca DeNicholas had the best offensive game of her collegiate career with 10 points and a 71% field goal percentage.  Senior captain Lindsay Sydness had a game high 14 points along with 5 boards and 6 blocks.

Principia plays next at home on Tuesday, February 7th against Webster University.  The game is scheduled for 6:00 pm.