By: Jordon Bruner, sports information assistant
December 30, 2006

BLUFFTON, Ohio. - The Bluffton women's basketball dropped an 82-56 decision to Adrian College despite the Bulldogs having no players reach double figures in scoring. The loss dropped the Beavers to 2-10 on the season, 0-3 in HCAC play.

Senior TANYA RICKENBERG (Paulding/Paulding) scored on a lay-up to give Bluffton an early 4-3 lead one minute into the first half.

Adrian took over from there as the Bulldogs went on a 9-0 run behind the outside shooting of LIZ HAFELI and NICHOLE ROOSE.

Bluffton closed the gap to 14-9 following a trifecta by LINDSAY EBBESKOTTE (Delphos/Jefferson) and a layup from fellow frosh VICKI AUER (Cincinnati/Roger Bacon). However, the Beavers would not come any closer as Adrian extended its lead with an 11-3 run over the next ten minutes.

Junior AMANDA BELL (Napoleon/Liberty Center) scored on a layup to make the score 37-28 at the end of the first half.

The Bulldogs once again spread the ball around in the second half, jumping out with a 13-6 spurt to start the second half while taking a commanding 50-34 lead.

Two free throws by junior ANGIE LEE (Mt. Blanchard/Vanlue) helped the Beavers close the gap to ten, 53-43, with 12 minutes to play in the contest.

Adrian ended any thoughts of a Bluffton rally as the Bulldogs closed out the game on a 29-13 run.

Bluffton shot only 35 percent from the field, including a dismal seven percent night (1-of-14) from beyond the arc. The Beavers were out-rebounded 49-34, but they did force 19 turnovers while only committing 15.

Junior LINDSAY BUSH (Howard/East Knox) led Bluffton with a game-high 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Rickenberg moved within 35 points of the Bluffton all-time scoring record as she had 11 points to go along with her team-high eight rebounds. Auer contributed with 11 points.

Bluffton is set to travel to Lexington, Ky., to face the Pioneers of Transylvania in HCAC play. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.

-BEAVERS-