By Ben Risinger, sports information director
December 30, 2004

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball team (3-8) was defeated 78-65 by Adrian College (3-7) on Dec. 30.

The game was very physical as 62 fouls were committed by both teams. The Beavers posted 34 fouls with Adrian ending the game with 28. Foul shots played a large part in the contest as 83 total foul shots were attempted by both teams. Bluffton shot 78 percent from the free throw line (25-of-32) compared to Adrian's 51 percent (26-of-51). Freshman AMANDA BELL(Napoleon/Liberty Center) went 10-for-10 from the charity stripe to tie the Bluffton University free throw percentage record at 1.00. Bell tied the single game record which was set in the 1993-94 season by Carrie Parrish who went 14-for-14 against Ohio Wesleyan.

The Beavers led the game early on 8-1 but could not hold on as Adrian went on a seven point run to tie the game at eight all. The Bulldogs led for most of the first half with Bluffton tying the game six times in the first period of play. At halftime the score was Adrian 41, Bluffton 33. The Bulldogs came out of halftime with a renewed energy as they widened their lead by as many as 15 points. Bluffton could not connect with the bucket as they shot 32 percent from the field in the second period. The final outcome would be Adrian 78, Bluffton 65.

Leading Bluffton was sophomore TANYA RICKENBERG (Paulding/Paulding) with 17 points and seven rebounds. Bell ended the double figure scoring with 10 points. Junior KARIN SCHALLER (Jenera/Arlington) posted a team-high 10 rebounds and eight points.

The Beavers will be back in action on Jan. 5, 2005 as they host Manchester College. The Heartland Conference opener is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.