CARLINVILLE, ILL.  -- Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team played the Beavers of Blackburn College in their 2nd meeting of the season.  The Panthers got off to a rough start offensively, rushing open looks and turning the ball over.  But on defense Principia was taking care of business, forcing several missed shots and rebounding for transition.  For a long time, neither team really was able to take control of the game, and the score stayed low and close.  But at 9 to 11 with the Beavers up two, Principia hit an offensive dry spell, and for the next 7-8 minutes, could not get a shot to fall.  Blackburn took a bit of a lead, and went into the locker room at half time up 10 points.

    
To start the 2nd half, the Panthers turned the ball over on back to back possessions and Blackburn quickly increased their lead.  The perimeter shooting for both teams continued to struggle (the Panthers were 3-21 from behind the arc, and the Beavers were 0-10), and with a large rebounding margin, Blackburn had several more shot opportunities, allowing them to continue to increase their lead.  Principia continued to play solid defense, but was unable to match Blackburn shot for shot.  Unfortunately, it was really just sloppy offense (Principia had 29 turnovers) that allowed the Beavers to take control of the game, and the Panthers will be looking to continue to improve on the offensive end before their next game.  Noteworthy statistical contributions include sophomore forward Karina Olsen with double digit rebounds, and senior captain Sarah Corbitt who was one board shy of a double-double.

    
The Panthers are scheduled to play next at home on Saturday, February 2nd against the Griffins of Fontbonne University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.