LOUISVILLE, KY - The Women's Basketball team made the long trip to Spalding University in Louisville on Tuesday after a tough home loss on Monday night. The Panthers came into the contest working hard on both ends and continuing to showcase improvements game after game.
The game started off with a lot of back and forth scoring and tough defense as the Panthers ended the first quarter down just two points at 17-15. Sophomore Alana Hinson returned to the lineup and immediately made a huge impact for the Panthers from long range, finishing with 13 points and 6 rebounds. The second quarter was a defensive battle as both teams got several strong defensive stops. The half ended with Spalding still only ahead by two points at 30-28.
The third quarter has been the achilles heel for the Panthers this season as it seems to be where the minutes have started to really grind on the team. Steady freshman Paige Fowler battled the entire game with a very sore back and managed to give the Panthers 10 points and 9 rebounds with some gutsy play in the second half. Freshman Lydia Klutho returned to the lineup as well, and she made her presence felt on the defensive end where her relentless work ethic is always on display. Lydia totaled 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in the game. The Panthers flipped the script and came out of the third quarter with a promising two point lead, 42-40.
The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair as there were a whopping 11 lead changes. A short, two-minute scoreless short stretch late in the game was too much for the Panthers to overcome at the end. Freshman Raina Bryant (12 points and 6 rebounds) successfully hit a long range three as time expired, but unfortunately the deficit was still one as the Panthers fell 59-58. Bryant finished the contest with .
"The play we saw tonight was TEAM effort, TEAM energy, TEAM offense, and TEAM defense," Coach Ro said after the game. "Someone asked me how the player's spirits are as the disappointments continue to mount? Disappointment is in the eye of the beholder. We see progress. We see improvements. The players are taking ownership and are playing hard. They are inspiring themselves, each other, and myself. I cannot wait to see them play again on Saturday."
Next Up: Principia finally has a little breather before they take on Webster at 1 pm on Saturday. Come help the Panthers celebrate senior Rachel McLeod-Warrick on Senior Day!
