LOUISVILLE, KY. -- Tonight the Principia College Lady Panthers travelled to Louisville, KY to face the Golden Eagles of Spalding University.  This being the 1st year that Spalding will qualify for the conference tournament, the Eagles having been playing tough team basketball, and tonight was no exception.  Principia came out in zone on defense looking to combat the quickness and shooting of the Spalding guards, and for the most part had their mission accomplished, except for when it came to shutting down sharp-shooting point guard Kerstin Hayes (Hayes had 50% of Spalding's 1st half points).  Principia struggled at the other end as well, and despite some good execution at times, went just 2 for 17 from the field in the 1st half.  With a halftime score of 4-38, Principia headed to the locker room ready to make some adjustments.

The 2nd half showed marked improvement.  Solid post defense from sophomores Jessica Bushong and Karina Olsen kept the lead from expanding, and continued leadership from senior captain Sarah Corbitt helped the Panthers start to find some offensive rhythm here and there.  In fact, Principia multiplied their 1st half score by 6, playing Spalding almost even in the 2nd half.  But ultimately, the Panthers efforts were not enough to fill in the hole of the 1st half.  Sarah Corbitt finished with a game high 10 points for the Panthers, to which she added a season high 6 steals.  Sophomore guard McKinzie Wilgus led the team with 5 rebounds.

The Panthers play next on Thursday, January 10th at Fontbonne University.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.