The Blackburn Women’s basketball team was on the losing side of the equation this afternoon. Hosting Westminster College for the beginning of the second half of SLIAC conference play, the Beavers were defeated by the Blue Jays 79-45.

1^st Quarter: It seemed as if neither team could figure each other out during the first quarter of the game. Westminster jumped out to an early lead, but the Beavers quickly jumped out ahead of the Blue Jays after two minutes of the game. The Beavers led by four early in the quarter but would eventually give up the lead to the Blue Jays. After Westminster regained the lead later in the first quarter, they never gave it back to the Beavers. After the first quarter ended, Westminster led 20-16.

2^nd Quarter: Mariah Hopson continued to roll along, adding to her career stat line with Blackburn. She had an impressive second quarter, knocking down a three and collecting key blocks. However, as crucial players for the Beavers were out from injuries, the Blue Jays were able to extend their lead. At halftime, the score was 38-26, Westminster leading.

3^rd Quarter: Westminster wanted to put the game away, and the third quarter was the quarter where they shut down the Beavers. Westminster outscored Blackburn 19-8 in the third quarter. The Beavers were running out of gas being down players, but Hopson continued to knock down points for the Beavers.

4^th Quarter: As the game came to a close, Westminster began tapping the brakes. After scoring a comfortable 22 points in the fourth quarter, Westminster left with the win. Blackburn was unable to generate offense against a Westminster defense that was excelling at forcing turnovers.

Mariah Hopson shined on the court for the Beavers. She had 19 points, the most on the team for the game, and also the only player for Blackburn to have double digit points. She also collected five assists, as well as four blocks and a steal.

Blackburn shot 16-49 on field goals, 2-12 on three-pointers, and 11-14 on free throws.

Blackburn will head north to Eureka on Wednesday, February 1^st to take on the Red Devils. Tip off for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.