Bethany, West Virginia (January 3, 2009) -- The Thiel College women's basketball team began the new year with a 82-76 victory over the Bethany College Bison on Saturday, bringing their overall record to 6-4 and conference record to 2-2.

Even though the Tomcats bursted out the gates with a 14-0 run, it was the Thiel defense that stole the show in West Virginia.  As the offense struggled, giving up a season-high 35 turnovers, the 'Cats' tenacious "D" is what seemed to keep them afloat.  Each time Bethany battled back within striking range, the Tomcats came up with clutch stops that would spark the offense, resulting in a run that would put the Bison back at arms length.

Freshman forward , Towanda-Michelle Warren (Solon, OH/Solon) lead the charge for the Tomcats scoring a team-high 20 points, on 8-of-10 shooting, and grabbing five rebounds, while senior swing, Amber Bodrick (Youngstown, OH/Cardinal Mooney), amassed 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals.  Reinforcing the frontcourt's dominance was freshman forward, Ashley Davis (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Peter Chanel) who tallied 15 points and sophomore, Kim Stitt (Hermitage/Hickory), who grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds to go with her eight points.

The Tomcat defense held the Bison to a mere 29% from the field and forced 19 turnovers.  This is the fourth time that the women have held an opponent's shooting percentage below 35% this season.

The Tomcats make their return to the House of Thrills January 7, when they matchup with PAC foe Washington and Jefferson College.