RICHMOND, Ind. — A slow start hurt the Earlham College women's basketball team on Wednesday as the Quakers dropped an 81-59 decision to Bluffton University.

Hannah Franklin led the Quakers with 16 points in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference game on Schuckman Court in the Athletics and Wellness Center.

Lexi McFarland tossed in 13 points, while Kiara Scott finished with 11 points and a team-high four steals.

JaLissa Watt added eight points. Mariah Flynn topped the Quakers with six rebounds.

Bluffton (17-7, 12-5) led 21-2 by the 13:07 mark of the first half.

The Beavers led 49-24 at halftime and they were able to keep their advantage the rest of the way.

Earlham (8-16, 5-12) entertains HCAC foe Anderson University in the season finale on Saturday. The Senior Day contest begins at 1 p.m.