The Bluffton University women's basketball team stumbled out of the gate and never recovered as rival Defiance College dominated round one of the 2012-13 series with a 54-32 victory. The Beavers fell to 1-4 in the HCAC and 6-6 overall, while Defiance improved to 5-0 in HCAC and 8-4 overall.

Bluffton could not overcome a cold-shooting first half after jumping out to an early lead on a Taylor Whitaker (Mansfield/Lexington) three. When Defiance finally found the range, the Yellow Jackets put it into overdrive as they built a commanding 34-9 lead at the break.

The second half started with the Beavers going on a 9-2 run to close the gap to 36-18 with 16 minutes left. However, Defiance answered back and held off Bluffton's rally en route to a 54-32 win over the Beavers in the Weaner Center.

Sophomore Rachel Debord (Lebanon) led the way offensively with 10 points and she pulled down five rebounds. Brooke Ruffer (Stryker) hauled in seven boards and added four points. Taylor Knight (Perrysburg) chipped in with four boards of her own.

Bluffton hit just 13-of-47 from the field (27.7 percent), including a paltry 18.2 percent in the opening stanza (4-of-22). The Jackets also pounded the boards, out-rebounding the visitors, 48-28.

The Beavers return to action on Saturday, Jan. 5, when they head to Hanover College. The tip is set for 2 p.m.