By Molly Burnell, sports information assistant
February 5, 2005

BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball team (4-17, 1-9 HCAC) was defeated in overtime 63-50 by Transylvania University (18-2, 9-1 HCAC) in Founder's Hall on Feb. 5.  

Leading the Beavers on the afternoon was freshman ASHLEIGH STALLKAMP (Paulding/Paulding) with 23 points, six rebounds and three steals (team high).  Sophomore TANYA RICKENBERG (Paulding/Paulding) contributed 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.  Junior KARIN SCHALLER (Jenera/Arlington) led Bluffton with 12 rebounds. Schaller also posted eight points and two blocks.

The first half of play saw a defense showdown between the Beavers and Pioneers.  Bluffton scored the first eight points of the game, and held Transylvania scoreless until the 12 minute mark, when a Meredith Plant jumper would put the Pioneers on the board. Scrappy defense by both teams for would give the Beavers a three point halftime lead, 18-15. Transylvania shot 20 percent in the first half to Bluffton's 27 percent.

Offense played a key role for both teams in the second half.  The Pioneers would take their first lead of the game 22-20 at the 15 minute mark.  Bluffton battled back and led by as many as five points with four minutes left in the contest. Missed shots by the Beavers and key rebounds by Transylvania would send the game into overtime at 46 all.  Transylvania scored the first two points in the overtime and never looked back taking the contest by a final score of 63-50. Bluffton was outscored 17-4 in the overtime period.

Bluffton shot 29 percent from the field for the game, compared to the Pioneers 35 percent. The Beavers would win the battle of the boards, pulling down 44 rebounds while Transylvania notched 43 rebounds.

Bluffton will be back in action on Feb. 9 as they travel to Heartland Conference opponent Mount St. Joseph. Tip off for the contest is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.