TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University women's basketball team dropped their final contest before the onset of conference play, falling at Bluffton, 63-51.  The Student Princes fell to 1-3 while the Beavers remained unbeaten at 3-0.  

Capitalizing on an uptick in playing time, sophomore Elisha Carter tied her career high with a team-high 14 points, which included a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line.  

Heidelberg took an early 4-0 lead over the Beavers between a Sequoia Bradley layup and a pair of Hallie Rogers free throws. Struggling to finish at the rim, HU would only find six more in the first quarter – all from the charity stripe. Nevertheless, they were able to keep the score to a manageable 18-12 deficit. 

The second quarter held scoreless until 7:28 when Rogers nailed a three-pointer over the head of her defender thanks to a screen from Bailey Walter. Over the next two and a half minutes, Bluffton went on an 8-0 run. Martin and Bradley added a layup each, while Carter put up five points. Narrowing down the gap, the teams went into halftime with a 29-24 Beaver lead. 

A 12-0 Bluffton run in the third quarter helped the Beavers push out to a 13-point lead.  With her team trailing near the end of the period, Carter had five points in the final 18 seconds.  Carter's flourish made it 48-37 after three.  

Heidelberg got to within nine after an Amari Slaughter 3-pointer with 4:17 remaining.  The Student Princes, however, would not get any closer.  

The Berg struggled from the floor, shooting 25.9% and 20.0% from long range.  

Bailey Walter had a team-high 11 rebounds, but Bluffton held a narrow 41-40 edge on the boards.  

The Student Princes dip into league action on Wednesday as they travel to No. 12 Baldwin Wallace.  Tipoff in Berea is scheduled for 7 p.m.