By Chad Hochstetler, sports information assistant
January 26, 2005

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball team (4-14, 1-6 HCAC) was defeated 78-65 by rival Defiance College (10-7, 6-1 HCAC) on Jan. 26.

Bluffton started the game slow by falling behind early. The Yellow Jackets jumped out to an 8-0 lead before the Beavers would score their first points. Defiance's lead would increase to 15 points with 7:33 left in the first period, but Bluffton fought back with solid shooting and would only find themselves down by seven points at halftime 39-32.

Early in the second half, the Beavers came within five points but never got any closer. The game went back and forth with Bluffton hanging around for most of the period, but solid shooting by Defiance sealed the 78-65 victory.

Leading the Beavers on the evening was freshman Ashleigh Stallkamp (Paulding/Paulding) who posted a career-high 25 points including four three-pointers. Stallkamp also led the team in rebounding with 11 boards for the double-double. Freshman Amanda Bell (Napoleon/Liberty-Center) also had a career-high night in scoring by chipping in 15 points and four assists (team high).  Sophomore Tanya Rickenberg (Defiance/Paulding) rounded out double digit scoring with 14 points.

The Beavers will be back in action on Saturday as they host Hanover College. Tip off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Founders Hall.