By Molly Burnell, sports information assistant
February 22, 2005

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Bluffton University women's basketball (4-22, 1-13 HCAC) season came to an end as they were defeated 83-48 at Franklin College on Feb. 22 in the first round of the HCAC tournament.

Leading the Beavers on the evening was freshman ASHLEIGH STALLKAMP (Paulding/Paulding) with 15 points and six rebounds. Freshman AMANDA BELL (Napoleon/Liberty Center) added nine points and a team high seven rebounds. SophomoreTANYA RICKENBERG (Paulding/Paulding) posted a team high three assists.

Franklin started the game strong as they led the contest by seven points (9-2) at the twelve minute mark. A quick Beaver timeout to regroup and key shots by LINDSAY BUSH (Howard/East Knox) and Rickenberg shrunk the Grizzlies lead to only one point (17-16).  Franklin didn't back down as Leslie Mehrlich scored eight points to increase the lead to six (25-19) with seven minutes left in the half. Hard play continued for the rest of the period as Franklin took at 39-27 halftime advantage.

During the first five minutes of the second half, Bluffton was able to reduce the Grizzlies lead to 11 points off a Stallkamp three-pointer (48-37). However, the Beavers would not be able to get any closer as Franklin responded with a 14-0 run to take a 62-37 lead with eleven minutes left in the game. Critical fouls by Bluffton and key free throw shooting by the Grizzlies down the stretch contributed to the final score of 83-48.

For the game, the Beavers only managed to shoot 25 percent (15-of-61) compared to Franklin's 43 percent (31-of-71). The Grizzlies bench came through in a solid way chipping in 44 of the total 83 points. Bluffton was able to pull down 43 rebounds while Franklin grabbed 47 boards.