Elsah, Ill. - Tonight the Principia College Lady Panthers basketball team logged their 1st victory of the season against the Stars of Stephens College.  Principia got off to a strong start offensively with back-to-back three point buckets from freshman point guard Spencer Randolph.  The momentum continued with some strong buckets inside and some solid rebounding from junior forward Summer Switzer (she was one of three Panthers with double digit boards, finishing with 10 on the game).  The Panthers gave some free points to the Stars by sending them to the charity stripe, and a few defensive miscues allowed Stephens to hit some open threes.  But overall Principia was in control of the game for the entire 1st half, running their offense and finding some intensity on defense.  Some timely steals from Randolph and freshman forward Rachel Perea gave the Panthers some scoring opportunities in transition, and Principia hit halftime up 34-21.

The 2nd half found the Panthers with renewed efforts on the boards, and newly-found intentionality on offense.  The surge was led in large part by senior captain Karina Olsen who attacked the basket and rallied the squad defensively with her aggressive rebounding.  She finished with a game 14 boards, and hit some crucial shots from the line.  The Panthers went up 20 points before Stephens made a run to cut the Principia lead to 8.  Showing composure on defense however, the Panthers got some important stops and was able to regain a double-digit lead by the final buzzer.  Notable statistical contributions include Randolph with a game high 17 points, Olsen with 15 points to add to her 14 boards, Rachel Perea with 14 points, 12 boards and 3 steals, and Switzer with 10 points and 10 boards.

This victory represents more than just a notch in the win column for the Lady Panthers.  With 4 players in double digits, Principia evenly distributed the scoring load, and needed everyone's effort to rally on defense.  This game also represents the marked progress this PC hoops squad has made since the start of the season.  And it gives the Panthers some much needed momentum as they head into their conference schedule on Thursday.  Principia College will face the Golden Eagles of Spalding University at home in their 1st conference match-up of the season.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM.