Box Score ELSAH, ILL. - Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team hosted the Blue Jays of Westminster College in their latest conference match-up of the season. Coming off a tough loss to Spalding University last Saturday, Principia was looking to get back on track as the game versus the Jays got under way. Unfortunately, the Panthers were unable to get into an offensive rhythm throughout the first half, missing several wide open shots and turning the ball over to a scrappy perimeter Westminster defense. However, some solid play from junior forward
Kara Johnson helped to anchor the Panthers, and at half time Principia headed into the locker room down 20-32.
The 2nd half saw an energetic Panther squad coming out with renewed focus. Sophomore forward
Rachel Perea led the charge, opening the half with an assist to a wide open
Karina Olsen, a steal for a transition lay-up, and a critical 3-point bucket to cut the Westminster lead to 5 within the span of 90 seconds. Now on more even footing, the Panthers fought to get on track, led in large part by Perea and Olsen (they combined for 24 points in 2nd half). However, some foul trouble around the ten minute mark put the Panthers in a tough position, and Westminster was once again able to widen the lead. Johnson continued her solid play, earning Principia some much-needed trips to the charity stripe, and all three Panther freshmen logged some crucial minutes as the half progressed. Offensive rebounds for Westminster and turnovers by Principia down the stretch unfortunately allowed the Jays to regain control of the game. Despite winning the 2nd half by a point, Principia was unable to overcome the deficit of the first half, eventually falling to the Blue Jays 52-63. Notable statistical contributions include Perea with 14 points (12 which came in the 2nd half), 7 boards and a game high 7 assists. Johnson ended with 15 and 6 boards, going 5 for 6 from the free throw line, and Olsen finished with a game high 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Panthers play next this coming Saturday, January 10th, at Blackburn College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.