JACKSONVILLE, ILL. -- Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team traveled to Jacksonville, IL to face the Highlanders of MacMurray College.  Off to a hot start, Principia shot the lights out against the Highlander zone, but once MacMurray switched to man, Principia struggled to find an offensive rhythm.  Trading baskets, neither squad really took control of the game, and several turnovers by the Panthers allowed the Highlanders to hang around.  Shooting an impressive 50% from the field, and a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe, Principia shot well despite their offensive miscues.  Senior captain Sarah Corbitt hit a sweet three from way out to get Principia started, and a sick floater for the and-one from sophomore captain Becca DeNicholas got the Panthers fired up briefly.  Sophomore forward Jessica Bushong added her own and-one, as well as some strong finishes inside (she ended with 9 points on the game).  But sluggishness on the defensive end allowed MacMurray to match the Panthers, and Principia went into the locker room at half time down 1 point.

Despite the close score, Principia was never really able to gain control of their own game.  With higher field goal percentages and more rebounds (for the 1st time this season) Principia should have been able to take over, but several turnovers and a few mental lapses on defense allowed MacMurray to extend their lead by a few.  Corbitt kept the Panthers within reach with consistent intensity on offense and solid defense, but couldn't quite spark her team into action.  Principia had to go to the foul game in the final minutes, but it proved to be not enough to pull out the victory.  With a final score of 58-51, Principia came up just short and dropped another conference game.

Fortunately, the Panthers get another chance to play a complete game on Thursday against the Red Devils of Eureka College.  The game is in Eureka, IL and is scheduled for 6:00 pm.