Women’s basketball team defeated by Blackburn, 57-53, in consolation game of North Central Tournament

Senior Gabrielle Federau (Okemos) posted a double-double, 11 points and 17 rebounds, but it was not enough, as the Olivet College women's basketball team was defeated by Blackburn (Ill.) College, 57-53, today in the consolation game of the North Central College/Holiday Inn Select Tip-off Tournament at Gregory Arena in Naperville, Illinois. For her efforts in the tournament, Federau was named to the all-tournament team.

Blackburn led by as many as nine points on two occasions in the first half, with the last time being 23-14, with 1:55 left. The Beavers settled for a seven-point lead, 27-20, at halftime. Olivet opened the second half with a 15-3 run to take its largest lead of the game, 35-30. Blackburn answered with a 6-0 run to regain the lead, which it did not relinquish for the rest of the game. In the closing seconds of the game, the Comets had two chances to tie the game.

Junior Stephanie Spehar (South Lyon) led Olivet with 13 points. The double-double was the eighth of Federau's career, while the 17 rebounds tied her single-game career-high. For the game, the Comets out-rebounded the Beavers, 53-33, including a 24-7 advantage on the offensive glass.

Natalia Gregory scored 13 points to lead the Beavers. Lakeshia Moore and Jasmine Robinson joined her in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Kariann Hill grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.

Olivet will play at Cornerstone University Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.