LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Tonight the Principia College women's basketball team traveled to Louisville, Ky. to face the Golden Eagles of Spalding University in their latest conference match-up.  Having lost to Spalding back at the beginning of January by a twenty point margin, the Panthers were putting in their bid to even the series and survive the season sweep.  Playing the Eagles even through the first quarter, Principia did a decent job of pressuring Spalding's outside shooting threats (the Panthers gave up just two threes through the first two quarters) and then converted their stops into scores at the other end of the floor.  Although the Eagles applied a lot of defensive pressure on the perimeter, Principia strung together several composed offensive possessions, at after the first ten minutes, the game was tied at 11-11.  The 2nd quarter was more back and forth action between the two teams, with neither squad securing an advantage.  But with a few minutes left before the half, the Panthers found a slight momentum shift when sophomore shooting guard Megan Selby buried a pair of critical threes from downtown.  After trading the lead back and forth the entire second quarter, the Panthers headed into the locker room with just a three point lead, 25-22.

The third quarter saw the Eagles come out with renewed energy, playing vintage Spalding defense and forcing the Panthers out of the offensive rhythm they had found in the first half.  Fortunately the Panthers were able to come together instead of falling a part, continuing to get stops on defense even though  they were struggling offensively.  After about three minutes of offensive chaos however, senior captain Kara Johnson had seen enough and proceeded to take over, hitting back to back step back jumpers and a pair of free throws to get Principia back on track.  Outscoring Spalding 18-9 in the third, the Panthers took their first double-digit lead with them into the fourth quarter.  Their lead would grow as large as 15 with a deep three from junior forward Rachel Perea, and although the Eagles would mount a late game surge to cut the lead to six, an and one from Johnson and a subsequent transition lay-up from freshman center Sophia Hathaway helped the Panthers to hang on and pull out their first-ever victory over Spalding, 59-51.

Notable statistical contributions include Perea with 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Johnson with another 30 point performance (her fourth this season).  Selby had a game high 4 assists.

The Panthers play next this coming Saturday, February 13th at home versus the Greenville College Panthers.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm, and the Panther's Senior Day celebration for lone senior Kara Johnson will take place following the game.