After Strong Start, Panthers Fall to Westminster

FULTON, MO - The Principia College Women's Basketball team traveled to Westminster College for a rescheduled game from January 8th. For the first time this season, the Panthers came out and battled for the lead right from the start and won the first quarter against one of the SLIAC best overall teams.

Sophomore Aaliyah Scott commented: "The first half was very explosive on both ends of the floor. We played strong together as a unit, and I believe that if we continue our high play from the first half to the second half, then we will get better outcomes."

The Panthers immediately looked and performed like a team that had learned from the last game to play with more intensity on every play. Freshman Paige Fowler got the Panthers on the board first with a put back of Tyliah Williams' missed floater, and the energy from the start just looked and felt much more determined. The first quarter was back and forth as Principia continued to counter Westminster's potent offense with attacks to the rim. The Panthers finished the quarter with a one point lead, and they held onto the lead until the last two minutes of the half when Westminster's experience and roster numbers advantage started to wear the young Panthers down. The Blue Jays' surge in the last two minutes gave them a six point lead at the half.

"Westminster is so well coached, and those young ladies play so hard, it was just a great learning experience for our young players to be competitive in this game," commented Coach Ro. "Wow, that was so inspiring to see our players rise to that challenge and play like that in the first half."

The Panthers struggled to find their footing in the second half as Westminster began to dominate and steadily growing their lead until the final buzzer, winning 80-45. Alana Hinson led the Principia women again tonight with 14 points and 5 rebounds, followed by Tyliah Williams' 12 points and Lydia Klutho's 7 points.

"We are a young team that is getting better and stronger every game," freshman Tyliah Williams said post-game. "Our goal each game is to outwork the other team every minute of the game. This was a tough loss tonight, but it was also a great glimpse to what we can achieve. We had some great moments in the first half and made progress. We will continue to grind, improve, and play together."

Up Next: The Panthers return home for a Thursday evening game at 5:30 against Spalding University. Come out and support!