Beavers Battle for Four Quarters

CARLINVILLE, IL – The Blackburn women's basketball team fought for four quarters, but Principia's pressure led to an 89–72 loss.

Juniors India Harris and Eiz Allende Quinones led the Beavers against Principia. Harris finished with 22 points and four rebounds, while Allende Quinones recorded 17 points, four assists, and a team-high 12 rebounds. Senior Zoe Mitchell also contributed offensively, adding 14 points and seven rebounds.

Principia jumped out early, but Blackburn responded by attacking the paint and the offensive glass. Harris set the tone with multiple finishes inside, often creating her own second-chance opportunities, while Allende Quinones provided a strong interior presence with rebounds, putbacks, and defensive activity. Senior Becca Benoit came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring around the rim and keeping possessions alive as Blackburn worked to stay within reach.

As the game settled in, Mitchell gave Blackburn a boost with active cutting and hustle plays, converting offensive rebounds into points and finishing through traffic. Blackburn also found opportunities by forcing turnovers, with senior Gaby Solis and freshman Elexus Frey generating steals that led to transition chances. Despite those efforts, Principia consistently answered, using efficient ball movement and rebounding to slowly extend the lead heading into halftime.

Out of the break, Blackburn showed renewed energy. Harris continued to pressure the defense with strong drives and interior finishes, while Allende Quinones facilitated the offense and capitalized in transition. Mitchell added another scoring stretch by relentlessly attacking the rim, and Solis converted a steal into a fast-break layup, briefly cutting into the deficit and forcing Principia to respond.

Principia countered with a decisive run built on second-chance points and turnovers, but Blackburn never stopped competing. Harris remained aggressive late, scoring in the paint and drawing fouls, while Allende Quinones added baskets and rebounds down the stretch. Freshman Vicki McGee chipped in with a late jumper, and the Beavers continued to battle on the glass until the final horn.

Blackburn's effort was highlighted by strong interior play, consistent hustle, and contributions across the lineup, particularly from Harris, Allende Quinones, Mitchell, and Benoit. While Principia pulled away on the scoreboard, the Beavers continued to compete until the 89–72 final.

The Blackburn women's basketball team hits the road this week, traveling to Mississippi to take on MUW on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.