Elsah, Ill. - This afternoon the Principia College Lady Panthers secured their 1st conference victory of the season over the Highlanders of MacMurray College.  It was clear from tip-off that this was a much more engaged Panther squad, and their intensity and excitement resulted in several solid offensive possessions to start the game.  Running their offense with previously unseen composure, Principia found the bottom of the net often on consecutive possessions, allowing them to generate some momentum.  The offensive charge was sparked in large part by freshman forward Rachel Perea, who attacked the basket with strength, and knocked down her free throws (she was 10-12 from the charity stripe on the game).  That coupled with solid team defense and some crucial rebounding kept the Panthers neck and neck with the Lady Highlanders.  In particular, junior captain Karina Olsen showed some marked discipline defensively, snagging 10 defensive boards and contributing 2 blocks.  With a tightly-called game, the Panthers often sent MacMurray to the free throw line in the 1st half, and a few untimely turnovers kept the score even.  Going into the locker room at half time, the Panthers were up just one point, 25-24.

In the 2nd half, it was evident that this Panther squad had decided that the game was theirs.  Renewed intensity and some composed ball-handling from sophomore point guard Spencer Randolph helped Principia maintain their offensive rhythm, even in the face of a heated Highlander defense.  The 2nd half also saw some clutch shooting from junior guard McKinzie Wilgus who knocked down 3 of her 6 three-point attempts at crucial moments in the game (she finished with a 40% field goal percentage and a season high 14 points).  Wilgus was one of three Panthers in double figures, including Perea who finished with a game high 20 points, and Spencer Randolph with 16. Continuing to attack the boards (PC out-rebounded MacMurray 39-32), Principia gradually widened their lead, ultimately forcing MacMurray to resort to the foul game as the clock wound down.  Principia ended with 22 made free throws on 33 attempts, and iced the game in the final seconds, taking their 1st conference victory, 61-51.  Notable statistical contributions include Olsen with 8 points and 12 total boards, Perea who finished with the aforementioned 20 points, as well as game highs in boards and steals (14 and 8 respectively).  Perea also had a game-high 3 blocks.

The Panthers are now 1-1 in conference and will look to improve their record next Saturday versus the Blue Jays of Westminster College.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm.