Crusaders Defeat Student Princes in OAC Battle

The Heidelberg College women’s basketball team suffered a 59-45 setback to visiting Capital University tonight in an Ohio Athletic Conference match up in Seiberling Gymnasium. The loss drops Heidelberg to 10-14 overall and 5-12 in the OAC, while the Crusaders improve to 16-8 overall and 10-7 in league action.

Heidelberg used an 8-2 run just under the midway point of the first half to break an 18-18 tie. Amanda Campbell (Pataskala, Ohio / Watkins Memorial) and Brittany Skolnicki (Lorain, Ohio / Clearview) each canned one from long range, while Skolnicki also added a lay up during the run. Capital’s Kristen Richardson hit her own three-pointer with 3:21 left in the half to cut Heidelberg’s lead to one, 26-25. Campbell connected with Jenny Miller (Tiffin, Ohio / Clyde) on Heidelberg’s final possession to take a 28-25 lead into the locker room.

Capital knotted the game on its first possession of the second half to send the two teams into a back and forth battle that featured another tie and two lead changes. The Crusaders regained the lead with a 6-0 run and never looked back, leading 36-31 with 12:32 on the clock. A Stacey Richard (Galloway, Ohio / Central Crossing) three-pointer pulled Heidelberg within a point, 38-37, with 8:20 to play, but the Berg could never get any closer. Capital extended its lead to as many as nine points, 51-42, with two minutes to play. Heidelberg was forced to foul down the stretch and Capital responded with an 8-for-8 showing to post the victory.

Leading the way for the Berg was Campbell with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Skolnicki added 10 points and nine boards. Campbell also finished the evening with five assists.

Heidelberg closes out its 2007-08 regular season slate on Saturday against Muskingum College. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 p.m. in Tiffin. Prior to the start of the contest, Heidelberg will recognize its 2008 seniors, Campbell, Hollie Knott (Concord, Ohio / Riverside) and Maureen Hunter (Toledo, Ohio / Notre Dame).