By Ben Risinger, SID
January 10, 2004

The Bluffton College women's basketball team (1-12, 0-2 HCAC) were defeated by the Hanover College Panthers (6-6, 1-1 HCAC) 83-42 on Saturday afternoon.

Things were difficult for the Beavers from the start as they shot only 24 percent in the first half, committing 18 turnovers. The score at halftime was 48-17 in favor of the Panthers. In the second period Bluffton would hit free throws, but only connected with one bucket in the first ten minutes of the half. The Beavers tried to battle back but just could not overcome the point deficit.

Freshman Tanya Rickenberg (Defiance/Paulding) led the Beavers with 14 points. Sophomore Karin Schaller (Jenera/Arlington) posted eight points for the contest and led the team with eight rebounds. Schaller did have nine blocks for the game which ties her own Bluffton single game block record.

As a team the Beavers shot 23 percent for the game compared to Hanover's 41 percent. The Panthers led at the battle of the boards pulling down 52, to Bluffton's 44 rebounds. For the game Bluffton would commit 25 turnovers to Hanover's 10.

The Beavers will be back in action this Wednesday when they travel to Franklin College. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 7 pm.