Blackburn Drops Home Contest

CARLINVILLE, IL — Blackburn opened with an offensive rhythm Saturday afternoon, building an early lead behind aggressive guard play, but Westminster rallied to hand the Beavers a 76–62 setback.

Senior Gaby Solis, junior India Harris, and freshman Vicki McGee led the way for the Beavers in the SLIAC matchup. Solis recorded 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Harris added 10 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while McGee followed with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist, and three steals.

Blackburn struck first as Solis converted inside, and the Beavers quickly found momentum from the perimeter. Solis knocked down back-to-back three-pointers during a hot stretch, while junior Kenadee Frey orchestrated the offense with multiple assists to keep Blackburn in control. Senior Zoe Mitchell added second-chance finishes and strong work on the glass, helping the Beavers stretch the lead to 15–8 midway through the opening quarter.

The Beavers closed the first period with another spark as McGee buried a three-pointer in the final seconds, sending Blackburn into the second quarter ahead 24–19. McGee continued to attack early in the second, scoring again off a steal to push the margin to seven. Blackburn's defensive pressure forced turnovers and created transition looks, with Harris, Frey, and Mitchell combining for key rebounds and stops.

Westminster answered with a late run before halftime, trimming the deficit to 34–33 at the break. Despite the narrow margin, Blackburn controlled the tempo for much of the first half behind balanced scoring and active defense.

The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Freshman Elexus Frey drilled a clutch three to pull the Beavers within one, and Harris attacked the rim and converted at the free-throw line to keep Blackburn within striking distance. Mitchell and senior Becca Benoit anchored the paint defensively, limiting second chances during a critical stretch.

Westminster gradually built separation late in the third and carried that momentum into the final period. Blackburn continued to fight, highlighted by strong drives from McGee and inside finishes from Mitchell and Frey, but the Blue Jays capitalized on offensive rebounds and timely outside shooting to extend the lead. The Beavers kept competing through the final buzzer, capped by an Elexus Frey three at the horn, but fell short, 76–62.

The Beavers close out regular-season conference play at home against Greenville on February 18 at 5:30 p.m.