FULTON, Miss. - This afternoon the Principia College women's basketball team headed out to Fulton, Mo. to take on top-ranked SLIAC opponent Westminster College in their final game of the 2015-2016 season.  It was senior night for Westminster, and they got off to a very hot start from beyond the arc (they shot 56% for the game from the 3-point line) and while the Panthers were able to match the Blue Jays offensive production at first, Westminster was quickly able to jump out to a double-digit lead behind stellar shooting from the Blue Jay guards.  A made bucket from senior captain Kara Johnson would cut the Westminster lead to nine points before the first quarter ended, but the Panthers were on their back heels as they headed into the second period.  Johnson stayed hot to start the second quarter however, and Principia closed the gap to 25-20 in the first minute, and while the 3-point onslaught from the Blue Jays guards initially continued, the Panthers began to find their defensive rhythm.  With just under three minutes to play in the half, a jumper from junior forward Rachel Perea tied the game at 30-30.  The two teams would trade baskets to finish out the half, and the Panthers headed into the locker room at halftime down just five points, 38-33.

The third quarter continued with remarkable team play from Principia, who was led on the offensive end by Johnson and sophomore point guard Tanya Marquardt who came alive in the third.  A lay-up from Marquardt (she had 10 of her season-high 19 points in the 3rd quarter) with just under two minutes to play put the Panthers within five again, but a 3-point dagger at the buzzer by Westminster sent Principia into the final period down 52-60.  Unfortunately, Principia came out flat defensively to start the quarter and the Blue Jays hit back-to-back threes to put the Panthers down into a double-digit hole.  As it would turn out, the Panthers would never recover from this 90 second lapse, and although they fought to the finish, they ultimately fell to the conference champion Blue Jays by a final score of 88-71.  

Principia had four players in double-digits tonight, with Marquardt finishing with the aforementioned 19 points and freshman center Sophia Hathaway who ended with 10 points and 5 boards.  Perea ended with 12 points and a game high 12 rebounds, and Johnson finished out her collegiate career with a game-high 26 points on 56% shooting.

Thanks to all the friends, family and fans who stuck with us throughout the season!  We're so grateful for all of your love and support!