Box Score ST. LOUIS, MO. - Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team traveled to St. Louis, MO to face the Gorloks of Webster University in their second match-up of the season. Having lost to Webster earlier in the season by three, the Panthers came out ready to tie up the series, and thanks to a strong defensive showing across the board, they were able to start the game off right. Webster drew first blood and maintained a small lead throughout the first half, but as Principia settled into their offensive rhythm and continued to get team stops on defense, the Panthers finally nabbed the lead around the 4:30 minute mark of the first half. Principia built a nine point advantage as the half wound down, but a brief run from the Gorloks to end the half sent Principia into the locker room up 35-30.
The Panthers came out with increased focus and improved their lead to eleven within the first four minutes of the second half. As a result, Webster came back with their full court press which succeeded in rattling the Panthers and forcing several turnovers. The Gorloks came all the way back, finally taking a 47-45 lead over the Panthers at about the seven minute mark. A pair of free throws from senior captain
Karina Olsen tied the game at 47, and a baseline jumper on the following possession from junior forward
Kara Johnson gave the Panthers a lead that they would not forfeit for the rest of the game. Webster would tie the game up a final time with 25 seconds to play, fouled senior shooting guard
McKinzie Wilgus on the next play, where she hit both free throws to give the Panthers the slimmest of leads as the game came to a close. Principia got one last defensive stop, forcing Webster to foul sophomore forward
Rachel Perea who made both of her free throws, putting the Panthers up 58-54. As the buzzer sounded, Webster hit one last three pointer, and the Panthers came away with a one point victory, defeating the Gorloks 58-57. Notable statistical contributions include Perea with a game high 17 points to which she added 7 boards, and Johnson with yet another double-double, 16 points and a game high 17 rebounds.
The Panthers play next this coming Saturday, February 7th, at Fontbonne University. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 pm.
