BLUFFTON, Ohio - Bluffton University junior Taylor Whitaker (Mansfield/Lexington) helped Bluffton go 2-1 over Christmas break en route to being named the Heartland Conference Player of the Week.

She dropped in 59 points (19.7 PPG) on 7-of-18 shooting from distance (38.9 percent). Whitaker was outstanding at the line, hitting 16-of-18 (88.9 percent), including 12-of-13 in Bluffton's win over Muskingum in the McDonald's consolation game. She finished with a career-high tying 27 points against the Muskies. Whitaker was named to the McDonald's of Bluffton All-Tournament Team after tallying 43 points to lead the Beavers. For the week, Whitaker doled out six assists and picked up three steals. She hit all four of her free throws and dished out three assists in Saturday's win over the Rose-Hulman Engineers while going 2-of-6 from distance.

Bluffton is currently tied for third place in the HCAC heading into Wednesday night's contest at Cincinnati against Heartland Conference rival Mount St. Joseph. Tip time is slated for 7;30 p.m.

-BEAVERS-