By Molly Burnell, sports information assistant
February 16, 2005

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Bluffton University women's basketball team (4-20, 1-12 HCAC) was defeated 76-58 by Defiance College (13-10, 9-4 HCAC) on Feb. 16.

Leading the Beavers on the evening was freshman ASHLEIGH STALLKMAP (Paulding/Paulding) with 25 points, eight rebounds and three steals.  Junior KARIN SCHALLER (Jenera/Arlington) posted ten points, six rebounds and four assists (team high).  Freshman ANGIE LEE (Mt. Blanchard/Vanlue) rounded out double digit scoring for the team with 11 points. 

Battling back and forth through most of the first half the game stayed close until Defiance started to pull away and lead by 11 points with five minutes left in the period.  Bluffton came back by hitting key shots and capitalizing on Defiance turnovers, to crunch the Yellow Jacket's lead to four at halftime (30-26). 

The Beavers came out strong in the second period and took a one point advantage (34-33) at the sixteen minute mark.  Play continued to be fierce until Defiance hit four three pointers in a four minute stretch to take a ten point lead (58-48).  Bluffton did not give up as the team pushed back to within four points with two minutes left (62-58).  Turnovers and fouls in the final two minutes by the Beavers gave the Yellow Jackets the steam they needed to win the contest 76-58.

For the game Bluffton shot 40 percent (21-of-52) compared to Defiance's 50 percent average (26-of-52).  The Beavers pulled down 27 rebounds as the Yellow Jackets posted 37 total boards.

Bluffton will be on the road for their last regular season contest as they take on Manchester College on Saturday, Feb. 19. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.