Beavers Grind Through Tough Home Test

CARLINVILLE, IL – The Blackburn women's basketball team battled through a tough contest against the Golden Eagles of Spalding but fell short, 65–45.

The leading scorers for the Beavers were juniors India Harris and Kenadee Frey. Harris finished with 12 points, two steals, and one block, while Frey added eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal. On the boards, senior Zoe Mitchell led the charge with seven rebounds.

Blackburn opened with confidence and energy, striking first on a Frey three-pointer assisted by senior Becca Benoit and trading early baskets in a tightly contested first quarter. Harris attacked the rim for back-to-back scores to keep the Beavers close, and freshman Vicki McGee added a big three after an offensive rebound to answer a Spalding run. Despite strong defensive moments — including steals from freshman Elexus Frey and Harris — Blackburn trailed 18–10 after one as Spalding capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

The Beavers showed resilience in the second quarter, finding rhythm inside. Benoit converted off an offensive board, senior Gracie Jent finished in transition, and Mitchell and Harris combined for multiple paint scores to trim the deficit. Blackburn's ball movement improved during a key stretch highlighted by assists from Frey and Mitchell, but timely perimeter shooting helped Spalding carry a 40–23 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, senior Gaby Solis sparked Blackburn with free throws and an aggressive drive, while Benoit and Harris added buckets to keep the Beavers battling. Defensive rebounds from Elexus Frey and Mitchell limited extra chances, but turnovers slowed Blackburn's comeback attempts as the margin grew late in the third.

Blackburn continued to compete through the final quarter. Frey powered in consecutive layups, Jent and Mitchell controlled the glass, and sophomore Nia Fulcher added a late basket to fuel a closing push. Harris and McGee each scored in the final minutes as the Beavers kept attacking until the buzzer, though the final score favored Spalding, 65–45.

The Beavers are back in Dawes to take on Westminster with a 1:00 p.m. tipoff.