By Ben Risinger, sports information director
January 12, 2005

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball team (4-10, 1-2 HCAC) was defeated 75-57 by conference leader Franklin College (12-2, 3-0 HCAC) on Jan. 12.

Franklin jumped out to an early lead in the first half, 15-2, only to find Bluffton come back to squeeze the Grizzly lead to four points with five minutes left in the period. The halftime score was Franklin 39, Bluffton 27.

Bluffton showed good play in the second half but could not outdo the Grizzly lead. The Beavers closed the gap to single digits three times in the second but could not overcome Franklin's defense as Bluffton committed six turnovers in the final five minutes. In the last minute of the game Franklin increased their lead from 11 points to 18 points as they capitalized on three steals and went 7-for-8 from the charity stripe. The final outcome would be Franklin 75, Bluffton 57.

Leading the way for Bluffton on the night was freshman Ashleigh Stallkamp (Paulding/Paulding) with 18 points. Sophomore Tanya Rickenberg (Paulding/Paulding) and senior Christina Champion (Oregon/Clay) posted 11 points each to end the double figure scoring. Champion led the team in assists with four which tied her career high. Senior Cara Young (Middletown/Madison) pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.

The Beavers will be back in action this Saturday, Jan. 15, when they travel to HCAC opponent Transylvania University. Tip off for the game is scheduled for 3 p.m.