Box Score CARLINVILLE, Ill. – This afternoon the Women's Basketball team traveled to Carlinville, Ill. to face conference opponent Blackburn College in their latest conference match-up. Having lost to the Beavers by eleven back in January, Principia was focused on tying the series. The first quarter seemed to reflect this game plan. Although Blackburn would draw first blood with a three pointer from Beaver shooting guard Candace Pollock, Principia quickly took a 5-3 lead, a lead which they would never relinquish. Up 14-8 at the end of the first, the Panthers were poised to break the game open. But instead the Beavers clawed their way back into the game, capitalizing on a flurry of Principia turnovers. Fortunately the Panther front court was able to help Principia weather the first half storm. Freshman center
Sophia Hathaway was a defensive force inside, logging three of her four blocks in the first half, and snagging eight defensive boards in the first 20 minutes. Senior captain
Kara Johnson had a strong offensive showing, scoring 15 points for the Panthers in the first half to help keep their heads above water. After two quarters, the Panthers had a seven point lead, heading into the locker room at half up 30-23.
The third quarter was by far the best for Principia who came out strong at both ends of the floor, increasing their lead to twenty points and scoring the Beavers 16-6. Unfortunately Principia hit a wall in the fourth quarter and, back to their old habits, began to turn the ball over. A few defensive miscues for Principia let the Beavers make their final push, cutting the lead back down to eight with two minutes left to play. The Panthers dug in however, and a crucial stop and a pair of free throws from sophomore shooting guard
Megan Selby would ice the game for Principia who came away with the victory, 57-46.
Principia had three players with double-digit rebounds. Hathaway ended with 12 boards and the aforementioned 4 blocks, small forward
Rachel Perea who snagged 13 rebounds to go with 14 points, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks, and Johnson who had 11 boards and a game high 31 points.
The Panthers play next this coming Tuesday, February 9
th in Louisville, Ky. against conference opponent Spalding University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm EST.
