By Molly Burnell, sports information assistant
December 20, 2004

BLUFFTON, Ohio -The Bluffton University women's basketball (3-6) team lost to Thomas More (5-5) on Dec. 20 in Founders Hall.  Despite a hard fought game the Beavers came up short, 69-58. 

Bluffton kept the contest close, as they never trailed by more than fifteen points on the evening and squeezed the Saint's lead closer many times.  The score at halftime found Thomas More up by 10 points, 33-23. The Beavers played well but could not match the Saints 55 percent shooting in the second half compared to their own 41 percent shooting in the period.  Bluffton utilized their bench as they saw the non-starters contribute 26 of their 58 total points. Most of the Beavers bench points came in the second period of action.

Leading Bluffton on the game was freshman Ashleigh Stallkamp (Paulding/Paulding) with 14 points. Sophomore Tanya Rickenberg (Defiance/Paulding) added 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.  Freshman Amanda Bell (Napoleon/Liberty Center) pulled down a team high seven rebounds and tailed seven points.

Bluffton will be back in action on Dec. 29 as they host Goshen College.  Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.