UPLAND, IN - It wasn't the finish that Head Coach Tara Kreklau was looking for and the result was a disappointing 68-40 defeat at the hands of the Taylor University Trojans Thursday night at Odle Arena in Upland, IN. The loss was the ninth straight for Spring Arbor (8-18, 2-10). Taylor's victory improved their record to 14-12 and 5-7 in conference play.

Senior Melissa Tejkl led Spring Arbor with 12 points and seven rebounds. Junior Ashley Stelter added 11 points.

The Lady Cougars were solid during the first half of play both shooting the ball and rebounding. The Cougars connected on over 42% of their shots compared to Taylor's 35% and with each team grabbing 19 rebounds each, the score at the break was a competitive 31-27 with Taylor taking the edge heading into the second half.

Starting the second half, the wheels came off for the Cougars. After a pair of Megan Bement free-throws 16 seconds in to the half, the well went dry for Spring Arbor until Ashley Stelter hit a field goal with 13:58 to go in the game. By that time, the score was 42-31. Over the next 10 minutes, Taylor outscored SAU 25-7 and the outcome was decided. The final score; Taylor 68, Spring Arbor 40.

The Cougars will play three of their final four games on Bockwitz Court starting with Bethel College on Saturday, February 5. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.