Box Score Elsah, Ill. - Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team hosted the MacMurray College Highlanders for their final game of the season. Celebrating three seniors -
Becca DeNicholas,
Karina Olsen and
McKinzie Wilgus - Principia came out hot to start, going up 11-0 with a three from WIlgus before the Highlanders scored their first bucket. With a defensive focus that became trademark for the Panthers in the latter half of the season, Principia was able to gradually increase their lead, keeping MacMurray on their back heels for the majority of the first half. Putting an exclamation point on the end of the half was captain
Karina Olsen who, with under a minute to play blocked a Highlander jump shot at the top of the key, took the ball coast to coast for the lay-up, and converted on an and one. This allowed the Panthers to head into the locker room at half time with a 37-19 advantage.
With very balanced scoring throughout the game (the Panthers finished with four players in double figures) Principia did all the little things to seal the last game of the season for their seniors. The Panthers won the rebounding battle, shot 46% from the field, and made 29 of 33 free throw attempts to finishe with an 88% charity stripe percentage. The defensive dominance continued for Principia throughout the second half, and despite a brief lapse in scoring, there was never any doubt that the Panthers had taken the game. As the final buzzer sounded, Principia came away with their final win 72-55 to finish 10-12 on the season overall. Notable statistical contributions include
Becca DeNicholas with a season high 10 points,
Karina Olsen with 13 points, 8 boards and a perfect performance from the line going 7-7;
Kara Johnson with 18 points and 8 rebounds and
Rachel Perea who finished with a game high 21 points, 12 boards, and 5 assists.
We are so grateful for our three seniors and all that they have contributed over the past four years. They have been crucial to building a strong foundation for the women's basketball program. We will miss you!
