Box Score ELSAH, ILL. - Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team faced the Griffins of Fontbonne University in their first match-up of the 2014 season. The Panthers drew first blood with a nice jumper from freshman forward
Rachel Perea which got Principia off to a solid offensive start. In fact, the Panthers were never lacking in shot opportunities, but a couple turnovers and failed defensive assignments allowed the Griffins to keep the ball game close. It was also the crucial offensive play from junior captain
Becca DeNicholas that kept the Panthers going; Peek played her best offensive game of the season, scoring 12 of her 16 points in the 1st half to keep the Panthers in striking distance. Then a bit of foul trouble forced Principia to sit their junior captain and starting center
Karina Olsen, which triggered an offensive run for Fontbonne at the end of which the Panthers found themselves in a 15 point hole. Principia cut the lead to 12 before halftime, and headed into the locker room after the 1st half with a score of 25-37.
The Panthers came out with renewed fight in the 2nd half, determined to play a better half of basketball.
Becca DeNicholas continued to attack offensively, and was joined by freshman point guard
Spencer Randolph who finished with 15 points on 5 of 9 shooting, 10 of those points coming in the 2nd half. Overall the Panthers continued to hit the boards with Olsen and junior forward
Summer Switzer leading the charge; they had 8 and 9 rebounds respectively. Principia also showed more cohesiveness on defense, holding the Griffins to 28 in the 2nd half. However, despite winning the 2nd half 31-28, the Panthers were unable to undo the deficit from the first 20 minutes. With a final score of 56-65, the Panthers notched their latest conference loss, but showed once again that they are continuing to improve as a squad. Notable statistical contributions include forward
Rachel Perea with 13 points, 7 boards and a game high 4 assists.
Spencer Randolph rounded out her 15 points with 3 assists and 1 steal. And
Becca DeNicholas with her best statistical performance of the season ended with a game high 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. She also logged 2 blocks and 2 steals.
The Panthers have the weekend off from competition and will play next on Tuesday, February 4th at home against the Webster University Gorloks. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
