By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information

The Blackburn College Women's Basketball team lost to the visiting Spalding University Golden Eagles 81-59 on Saturday afternoon in Carlinville.

Spalding jumped out to a 10-0 outburst right after tip-off.  By the middle of the first half, the Beavers were still down 27-10. Spalding would add another point to the lead by halftime as they entered the locker room up 44-26.

The Beavers could never really start a comeback and the defeat was completed with a score of 81-59. Blackburn just couldn't stop the hot hand of Spalding's Kerstin Hayes. Hayes was on fire throughout the course of the game by knocking down five three-pointers en route to a 30 point night. Hayes also collected seven assists on the afternoon.

The leading scorer for Blackburn was Shelby Smith, who had 14 points. This marks the fourth straight game double digit points for the junior, as she has averaged about 21 points per game in those contests. Smith now averages 11.2 points per game on the season.

Sophomore Bri Rae added 12 points for the Beavers. This is Rae's third game in the last four when she has earned double digits in scoring. Rae is averaging 9.3 points per game this year.

Although the Beavers were outrebounded 48 to 36, Danique Smith still managed to grab 8 boards, which led the team.

Spalding's Kelly Harrod was also unstoppable. She was on pace to have herself a triple-double day after the first half, but she fell short and had to settle for a double double. Harrod had 19 points and 12 rebounds(game leader) as well as 6 assists.

Blackburn falls to 2-12 overall and 2-4 in the SLIAC. They will continue conference play as they head across the river to play Fontbonne this Tuesday at 6 p.m.