GREENVILLE, Ill. - The women's basketball team defeated Westminster 76-69 on senior night in Greenville to clinch the number one seed in the SLIAC tournament and give the Panthers at least a share of their second straight SLIAC league championship.  Greenville can win the SLIAC title outright with a win on Saturday at Webster.

Prior to the game, GU recognized seniors Emily Brandland, Allison Haug, Abby Modaff, Jantzen Michael, and Wesley Woodard for their years of commitment to the Greenville basketball program.  The last four years has been one of the most successful eras in the 65 year history of the women's basketball program.  These seniors have been key components of a program have have earned one SLIAC tournament championship, an NCAA Division III national tournament appearance, an NCCAA national championship, a fourth place finish in the NCCAA national championships, and two SLIAC league titles.

After the opening tip, the Panthers rode the wave of energy and jumped out to a 20-6 lead after the first quarter.  The score was 41-25 at halftime.

In the second half, Westminster cut the deficit to single digits, but they were unable to overcome the Panthers first half margin as they trailed 56-47 after the third quarter.  The Blue Jays eventually reduced GU's lead to five in the fourth period, but they could not get any closer.

Brittany Lopez gave Greenville a scoring boost with 16 points to tie Woodard as the top scorer for the Panthers.

Morgan St. James added 11 points, and Michael totaled 10 ponts.

The Panthers (20-4, 14-1 SLIAC) have compiled their fourth consecutive season with at least 20 wins, and they will head to Webster for a game tipping at 1 p.m. Saturday in their final contest of the regular season.  The SLIAC tournament will begin in Greenville with games at 6 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21.  The championship will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.