MAR. 12 — Murdent Named NAIA All-American
Latest honor tops long list of awards for senior

Senior Margene Murdent

Olathe, KS — Senior post player Margene Murdent was named an NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball All-American on Tuesday, topping off what has been an incredible two-year career at Goshen and an award-laden senior season.

Murdent, who was selected as the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Women’s Basketball Player of The Year last month, is also a two-time NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete, keeping her cumulative GPA above a 3.5 while at Goshen.

Murdent was selected to the NAIA’s second-team All-Americas. Each team has 10 players selected. Murdent was one of two MCC players to make NAIA All-American status — Huntington’s Crissy Collins was selected to the third team.

“This is an outstanding achievement for a player that worked so hard to be where she is,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen’s former head coach who coached Murdent for two years. “Margene is well deserving of this honor.”

Murdent, a 6-0 center in her second year at Goshen after transferring from Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois, becomes the school’s first NAIA Women’s Basketball All-American in the school’s history. Murdent averaged 19.5 points per game and 7 rebounds per game this season, though she upped her scoring to 21.9 ppg in conference play. Murdent set new Goshen records for most points in a game with 36 (vs. Huntington on Jan. 26) and points in a season with 545. In just two seasons with the Maple Leafs, Murdent scored 900 points.

FEB. 22 — Senior Duo Recieves Conference Honors
Murdent named MCC Player of The Year; Parson makes all-conference first team

Player of the year: Senior Margene Murdent was voted as the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Year by MCC head coaches. She averaged 21.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg in conference play this season. Stellar career: Senior Krysten Parson concludes a brilliant four-year career with her third All-MCC selection, this year being a first-teamer. Parson finished her career with 610 assists, setting a new schol record.

Indianapolis, IN —Seniors Margene Murdent and Krysten Parson had outstanding individual seasons this year for the Goshen College women’s basketball team. On Thursday, they were recognized for it.

Murdent was selected as the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Year as voted on by the MCC head coaches. Parson was selected to the All-MCC First Team, also voted on by the coaches.

“They are both very deserving of this award,” said Goshen head coach Kim Eiler,. “It’s not like they’ve gotten this handed to them. They’ve worked very hard to get where they are.”

Murdent, a 6-0 center in her second year at Goshen after transferring from Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois, became the school’s first MCC Player of The Year since Goshen joined the conference in 1992. Murdent averaged 19.5 points per game and 7 rebounds per game this season, though she upped her scoring to 21.9 ppg in conference play. Murdent set new Goshen records for most points in a game with 36 (vs. Huntington on Jan. 26) and points in a season with 545. In just two seasons with the Maple Leafs, Murdent scored 900 points.

“I didn’t do anything but go out and do my job,” Murdent said. “My coach laid it on the line and told me to go out and post up hard. I couldn’t have done anything without the other players and Par. I just tried to do what I could to help the team win.”

Murdent was nearly unstoppable in the post, shooting a patented fadeaway jump shot that could not be defended.

“Any team we faced this year, no one was able to stop her,” said Parson of Murdent. “Our job was to get her the ball and she did the rest. If teams would double her or triple her, it opened up the perimeter. If they didn’t, she had open looks. Marge shooting over a double-team wasn’t a big thing. It was when she got triple- and quadruple-teamed that she had to kick (the ball) out. You don’t see too many people like that who can take over a game at our level.”

For Murdent, the Player of the Year honor accompanied her first team All-MCC selection, which was her second All-MCC award of her career. She was voted to second-team All-MCC last year. In addition to these on-the-court awards, Murdent is also an NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete.

“I have to thank Coach for having so much confidence in me,” Murdent said. “No other coach has ever put that much faith in me.”

These awards come at an even more emotional time for Eiler, who resigned from her coaching position earlier in the week to pursue educational and personal interests. Resignation aside, Eiler had to say goodbye to her starting point guard of four years in Parson, who this year set the Goshen school record in assists with 610 career dishes.

“Par came in and turned the women’s basketball program around,” Eiler said. “She started every game she played in. Krysten is a true definition of a point guard.”

This season’s award is Parson’s third All-MCC vote — she was selected to the third team as a sophomore and to the second team last year. Parson averaged 12.6 points per game in conference play this season while dishing out an amazing 185 assists (also a Goshen season record) for 6.6 a game. Parson also ranks second in Goshen’s all-time records in three-pointers made (132) and third in points scored (1267). A ball of fire defensively, Parson has harassed opposing point guards for the past four years, picking up 244 steals along the way.

“Your goal in college is to improve not just yourself, but your teammates around you,” Parson said. “I wouldn’t have broken the records without my teammates. That’s what it’s all about. That’s been the story of my four years here. The awards are nice, but it really is a testament to the people that I played with.”

Next season, Goshen’s new head coach will take over a team minus two of the greatest players ever to wear a Maple Leaf uniform. Eiler thinks that the new coach will miss the two individuals far more than the scoring, passing and rebounding, however.

“It has been a pleasure to work with these fine people in Krysten and Margene,” Eiler said. “It made my job so much easier and makes these awards so much more special. These two came to practice every day and worked hard. They would dive on the floor every day. They were true leaders. It’s neat to see them so appreciative of each other and their teammates. That makes all the awards they receive all the more special.”

FEB. 19 — Leafs Uncharacteristic In Tournament Loss
54-74 loss to Marian ends season for Goshen and tenure for Eiler

End of an era: Head coach Kim Eiler and senior point guard Krysten Parson take in the final moments of Tuesday's MCC Tournament game at Marian. This would be the last time Maple Leaf fans would see the pair in the Goshen program — Parson will be gone to graduation, while Eiler announced her resignation as coach earlier this week.

One last time: The women's team huddles before leaving the floor at Marian following the 54-74 tournament loss. Eiler said she was proud of the team's accomplishments this season.

Indianapolis, IN — After the incredible season that had been the 2001-2002 version of the Goshen College women’s basketball program, Tuesday night’s first round of the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tournament just didn’t seem appropriate for the Leafs.

Goshen (16-12, 7-7) ended its season in losing 54-74 to host Marian, in a game that never saw the Maple Leafs take a lead. Goshen shot just 33.9 percent from the field in the contest, marking only the fourth time this season that the Leafs shot under 35 percent in a game.

“It was a disappointing game,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “We didn’t shoot well and we had good looks that just didn’t fall. It’s hard for us to be successful when we score in the 50’s.”

Goshen stumbled offensively from the start, falling behind 21-35 at halftime. Senior Margene Murdent led the charge for the Leafs, scoring a game-high 23 points on 10 of 19 shooting. For the rest of the team, however, the shooting was bleak. The remainder of Goshen’s starting lineup was a combined three of 25 from the floor.
Goshen shot a miserable two of 15 (13.3 percent) from three-point land and could get no closer to the Knights than 10 points in the second half.

“Give Marian credit, they came ready to play,” Eiler said. “We didn’t have one of our better games and they (Marian) were a big part of it. You can’t expect to win when you don’t play well.”

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher contributed 10 points for Goshen’s cause. Junior guard Anna Smith had seven points on two of five shooting. Senior Krysten Parson had eight assists on a rough night shooting the ball, scoring only four points.

For the year, however, Goshen exceeded expectations. Parson became the school’s all-time assist leader and scored over 1,000 points for her career. Murdent became the school’s all-time single-season scoring record holder, along with breaking the single-game scoring record. Goshen also defeated St. Francis for the first time in 16 attempts. For Eiler, the year was a success.

“I am very pleased with the season,” she said. “We made a great run at it. We competed day in and day out, we had some great road wins and did it all with nine players. I definitely won’t remember this team for this game.”

And for Eiler, memories will have to suffice. She announced her resignation as Goshen’s head women’s basketball coach on Tuesday, prior to the Marian game. To read about Eiler’s resignation, click here.

The Leafs finish the year with a 16-12 record. The 7-7 conference finish was good enough for sixth-place. The women’s team will host its annual post-season banquet on March 17th. Questions regarding the banquet can be addressed to the Goshen College athletic office at (219) 535-7496.

FEB. 16 — Goshen Wins Last Regular Season Game On Emotional Day
Seniors may have played in final home contest in 82-53 victory over Grace

Over the top: Senior Margene Murdent hits a turnaround jumper Saturday. One of three seniors, Murdent led the Leafs with 21 points.

Goshen, IN — Only three days after an enormous win at St. Francis, things only got more emotional for the women’s basketball team on Saturday.

Honoring three seniors, the Leafs were able to win its final regular season home game against Grace by a 82-53 score. Perhaps making the game even more moving for Goshen head coach Kim Eiler was the significance of senior Krysten Parson, the only one of the three seniors to play and start every game at Goshen for four years. In that time frame, Parson has become Goshen’s all-time leading assist player along with notching over 1,000 points in her career.

“Par has been Goshen basketball from the first day she stepped on this court,” said Eiler. “She is an integral part of why we’ve been competitive. And it’s not just her, we’ve had great classes and seniors in the past — but she truly has changed our program.”

As for the game with Grace, Goshen (16-11, 7-7) made sure the seniors’ day wouldn’t be ruined. The Leafs stormed out to an early 20-point lead in the first 10 minutes and never looked back. Goshen held a 43-20 lead at the half before playing nearly even in the second period.

“We played very well in the first 10 minutes of the game and our intensity was very good,” Eiler said. “I was pleased with the way the players responded after a big win on Wednesday. It was a good week for us. We were very focused during a tough time to be.”

Goshen’s 78-61 win at St. Francis on Wednesday was the first time the Leafs had beaten a Cougar team in seven years. Despite this fact, Goshen played up to its common level of play Saturday.

“Saturday was emotional,” Eiler said. “It’s been a great year for us, and our nine players have all made big contributions throughout the season.”

Senior Margene Murdent scored 21 points to lead the Leafs. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher scored 13 points and played tenacious defense on Grace’s leading scorer, according to Eiler. Parson scored 10 points and had four assists.

For Murdent, her 21-point output came on the heels of a stellar regular season, leading the Leafs in scoring with 19 per game and setting new school records for most points scored in a season (522) and most points scored in a game (36).

“Margene has come in as a juco transfer and taken ownership of the program,” Eiler said. “She’s an academic all-American and deserves all of the success she’s had.”

Goshen finishes the season as the sixth-place team in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference. The team starts MCC tournament play Tuesday night, traveling to #3 seed Marian for a 7 p.m. tip. The winner of that game will play Friday night at 7 p.m. If Goshen should win, they would play the winner of the Grace-Indiana Wesleyan game. Should Grace win, Goshen would host the Friday night contest. Should IWU win, Goshen would travel to Wesleyan. For a complete rundown of the conference tournament and schedule, click here.

FEB. 13 — Goshen Shakes Up Conference With 78-61 Win At USF
Leafs beat St. Francis for first time in 16 games

Fort Wayne, IN — By winning at St. Francis Wednesday night, Goshen accomplished a variety of positives. For one, the team gave itself a chance to finish as high as fifth in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference. For another, the team shook up the conference standings and possibilities in a variety of ways, placing importance on almost every final regular season conference game taking place this Saturday. Finally, Goshen got its first win against St. Francis in 16 games, after being beaten by the Cougars earlier in the season on a last-second three pointer.

“This was a great road win for us,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “The kids came to play. It was a great team effort with everyone contributing.”

The Leafs (15-11, 6-7) came out hot early, hitting 56.7 percent of their shots in the first half and taking a 10-point lead into the intermission. The squad continued to shoot well into the second half, shooting 47.6 percent in that period for a total 52.9 percent clip on the night. St. Francis could get no closer than nine points in the second half before Goshen pulled away for good.

“Tonight we got back our offensive rhythm and when things weren’t going well for us we still continued to play defense,” Eiler said. “We did a nice job of putting pressure on their shooters.”

The shooting percentages were the difference in the game. St. Francis shot only 37.9 percent on the night, while the rebounds (38-34, Goshen) and turnovers (11 for each team) were nearly identical. The Leafs did attempt 13 more free throws than the Cougars in making 12 more than St. Francis did.

Goshen was led by senior Margene Murdent’s 26 points and six boards. Classmate Krysten Parson scored 17 points. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher had 14 points while dishing out six assists.

“They may have the best threesome in the league,” said Gary Andrews, St. Francis head coach. “We had trouble matching up because when we did double down on Murdent, Parson hit some big shots.”

Goshen’s win dropped St. Francis into a tie for second place in the conference with Indiana Wesleyan. The Leafs’ win also made it possible for Goshen to finish the season with a fifth-place conference finish, as well as making the first seven conference spots all susceptible to change with the final regular season conference games taking place this Saturday. Where Goshen will play next week in the MCC tournament will also depend on the games this weekend.

“We made it interesting (with the win),” Eiler said. “There is still a lot of jockeying to be done this Saturday by a lot of teams. We’ll see what happens when it is all over with.”

Goshen plays in its last regular season game this Saturday, hosting Grace. The day will be senior day, as Goshen pays tribute to its three seniors in Carrie Georgion, Murdent and Parson. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

FEB. 9 — Bethel Pours It On Leafs
Goshen flat from start in 86-56 road loss

Rough going: Senior Margene Murdent shoots a turnaround jumper against Bethel Saturday. Murdent finished with a game-high 18, though not shooting well from the floor.

Mishawaka, IN — Generating the second-lowest scoring output of the season was not in the game plan, according to Goshen head coach Kim Eiler. But that’s exactly what happened Saturday afternoon in Bethel’s Wiekamp Center, as the Leafs dropped an 86-56 decision to Bethel. The 56 points marks the fewest Goshen has scored since the first game of the year, when the Leafs scored 55 points in losing to Trinity Christian on Nov. 7.

“I’m not sure what team showed up today,” Eiler said. “I have no proof of why this happened.”

Goshen (14-11, 5-7) came into the game averaging nearly 75 points per game. Even that would not have been enough to top the Lady Pilots Saturday, however, as Bethel shot 44.9 percent from the field and and a scorching 57.1 percent from three-point land in scoring 86 points.

The Leafs found themselves down early, but three-point shooting kept them remotely close. Goshen went five of nine from deep in the first half, trailing by only 12 (43-31) at the intermission. In the second half, however, things got ugly. Goshen could not fall back on three-pointers to help themselves (the team was zero for three from downtown in the second half) and shot the ball at an overall clip of 28.6 percent (10 for 35) as a team in the period.

On the day, Goshen only shot 31.3 percent from the field, committed 18 turnovers and was outrebounded by a 50-39 margin. The usually potent scoring combination of senior Margene Murdent and sophomore Lindsay Fisher went a combined nine of 34 from the floor. Murdent finished with a game-high 18 points, while Fisher scored 10. Senior point guard Krysten Parson scored 10 points as well.

Goshen travels to St. Francis Wednesday night. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

FEB. 6 — Goshen Drops Game To Marian In Wacky Finish
Leafs lose 64-66 despite a chance to win in bizzare ending

Fadeaway J : Senior Margene Murdent scores two of her game-high 30 late in the contest against Marian Wednesday night.

Goshen, IN — The last minute of Wednesday night’s game against Marian had nothing to do with the outcome, at least according to Goshen head coach Kim Eiler. True, Goshen had a chance to win it at the free throw line with no time left on the clock, but that wasn’t what would decide the game, a 64-66 Goshen loss after a bizarre ending.

“The game was decided long before the last few possessions,” Eiler said. “We didn’t have the intensity and defensive effort early. We finally started to play late in the game, but by then it was too late.”

After being down the entire second half — the Leafs tied the score twice in the second stanza, but never led — Goshen found itself down by two points with 52 seconds left after senior Margene Murdent scored her 30th point of the game on a fallaway jumper. With the score 66-64, Marian, Goshen defended well and forced the Knights into a turnover with 23 seconds remaining. Murdent deflected and stole a pass that gave the Leafs the ball back with 22 seconds to play.

Goshen, with no timeouts remaining, transitioned to offense but had trouble running a set called by Eiler from the bench. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher penetrated but had nowhere to go and traveled with four seconds remaining. Marian called timeout.

After the break, Goshen elected to hold a Marian player prior to the ball being inbounded. The foul was called, and Marian’s Megan Dean was awarded two free throws. She missed both, and Murdent collected the rebound. Murdent shot the ball up the floor to senior point guard Krysten Parson, who raced up the court and got a shot off just inside of halfcourt. The shot grazed the lower edge of the backboard as the buzzer sounded, but a whistle blew. A foul had been called against Marian on Parson’s final shot, and she would be awarded three free throws with no time on the clock.

Parson’s first free throw hit every part of the rim before missing. Her second was long. The third free throw, a moot point, missed as well.

“Again, the game was lost well before that last series of events,” Eiler said. “We played the first half with very little intensity and effort. The second half was better. You just can’t spot a good team like Marian nine points.”

The Knights did have a nine-point lead at the half, 35-26. This was after having its largest lead of the game of 11 points earlier in the first period. Goshen (14-10, 5-6) battled back to tie the game at the 13:12 and 10:45 marks in the second half, and the game was close the rest of the way.

Murdent’s 30 points and eight boards led the Maple Leaf cause, with 20 of her points coming in the second half. Fisher scored 11 points, though only shooting three of nine overall and one of seven from three-point land. Parson scored nine points and had 10 assists.

Aside from Parson’s late-game misses, Goshen did not help themselves from the line throughout the entire game. The team shot just 17 of 32 — a 53 percent clip — from the charity stripe for the game.

“Again, I hope everyone realizes that this game was not one that was decided in the last minute,” Eiler said. “We’ve got to play better for the entirety.”

Goshen travels to Bethel for a 1 p.m. tip-off Saturday. This game will be part of a double-header. The Goshen College men’s team plays 20 minutes following the women in Mishawaka.

FEB. 2 — Leafs Lose To Wesleyan 73-84 In Physical Affair
Teams combine for 44 fouls in "chaotic" game

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher

Marion, IN — Goshen dropped a 73-84 decision at Indiana Wesleyan Saturday. The loss ends the Leafs’ three-game winning streak in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference, placing them at 5-5 in conference play and tied for fourth place.

Goshen (14-9, 5-5) found itself down by seven points at the half, after a first period which was extremely physical, according to Goshen head coach Kim Eiler.

“It was a very physical and chaotic game,” Eiler said. “It wasn’t one of our better defensive efforts. We didn’t do the things that you need to do to win on the road.”

The Leafs could never make a serious threat at the Wildcats, as Wesleyan shot 21 for 24 from the free throw line for the game in icing the win. Goshen only shot 39.3 percent from the floor on the night and was outrebounded by a 40-27 margin.

“We never seemed to get into the flow of the game,” Eiler said.

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher scored 20 points to lead the Leafs. Senior Margene Murdent had 17 points while being saddled with foul problems for most of the game. Senior Krysten Parson had 11 points and five assists, while freshman Erin McDugle chipped in 12 points of her own.

Goshen hosts Marian this Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.

JAN. 30 — Goshen Continues To Roll With 74-63 Win At Taylor
Senior duo spraks third straight conference win

Senior Krysten Parson Senior Margene Murdent

Upland, IN — Behind the continued strong play of seniors Krysten Parson and Margene Murdent, Goshen defeated host Taylor by a 74-63 count Wednesday night. The win marks the Leafs’ third straight in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference.

Murdent scored 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting while Parson knocked in 21 points to lead Goshen (14-8, 5-4). Murdent continues her tenacious play, averaging 31 points per game over the last three contests. She had a game-high 14 rebounds against Taylor as well.

“It was a good win for us, especially on the road against a very tough opponent,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “We still turned the ball over entirely too much, but we were able to overcome that.”

The Leafs committed 19 turnovers in the game, after having only four in the first half of play. The game was close to start, with the first 15 minutes seeing five lead changes and six ties. Goshen held a 32-26 advantage at halftime, but exploded out of the locker room in the second stanza, blooming the lead to 15 points before Taylor attempted a comeback. The Trojans could get no closer than eight points the rest of the way, as Goshen made its final seven free throws on the night to seal the victory.

Goshen was able to win despite its turnover problems and a 53-40 deficit in rebounding. Goshen also allowed Taylor an incredible 26 offensive rebounds, though the Trojans were not able to connect on many opportunities. Taylor shot just 28.4 percent from the field on the night, including 11.8 percent from three-point land.

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher chipped in 18 points to aide Parson and Murdent in the scoring column. No other Leaf scored more than four points.

Goshen travels to Indiana Wesleyan Saturday. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

JAN. 26 — Murdent Sets New School Record In Win Against Huntington
Senior post player's 36 points helps Leafs roll over Foresters, 90-72

On your head : Senior Margene Murdent scores two of her career-high (and school record) 36 points against Huntington Saturday. Murdent's prolific game came just three days after she scored 30 points against Grace.

Goshen, IN — Senior Margene Murdent set a new Goshen College single-game scoring record Saturday, netting 36 points on 15 of 29 shooting while helping the Leafs to a 90-72 win over Mid-Central Collegiate Conference rival Huntington.

Murdent now takes the place in the record books of Kathy Mast, who once scored 33 points during the 1988-89 season. Mast remains Goshen’s all-time leading career scorer.

Murdent’s 36 point outburst came just three days following a 30-point performance at Grace, a game Goshen also won by an 87-52 score.

“Margene had an incredible scoring week,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “She is doing a nice job of working hard in the post. We are also doing a nice job of getting her the ball where she can be successful.”

Goshen (13-8, 4-4) came out of the blocks strong against Huntington, taking a 49-31 lead into the half. The Foresters, however, did not go away quietly. Behind the 36-point game of Chrissy Collins, Huntington came all the way back in the second stanza. The Leafs responded, however, and played the Foresters even in the second half.

“I thought our first 10 minutes of the game was extremely intense,” Eiler said. “We were getting the job done at both ends. Huntington did a nice job of making a strong comeback. I thought we did a nice job of regaining control of the game and putting the game out of reach.”

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher scored 17 points on five of 11 shooting, while freshman Erin McDugle had 10 points. Senior Krysten Parson had nine points and 10 assists, while Murdent grabbed nine rebounds to accompany her record-scoring day.

Goshen is off until Wednesday, when the team will travel to Taylor. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

JAN. 23 — Goshen Hammers Grace, 87-52
Team comes back after tough loss focused; Murdent gets 30

Senior Margene Murdent

Winona Lake, IN — Four days after losing a heartbreaking game to 10th-ranked St. Francis at the buzzer, Goshen took its frustrations out at Grace Wednesday, winning by a 87-52 score.

The Leafs (12-8, 3-4) came out of the gates with a surge, leading the game from the start while compiling a 42-23 lead at the half. Goshen shot a collective 55.9 percent clip from the floor, while forcing the Lancers into 23 turnovers on the night.

“This was a game where we clicked on all cylinders on both ends of the court,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “The team was really focused following our tough loss to St. Francis on Saturday. I was pleased to see such a positive response.”

Goshen was led by senior post player Margene Murdent’s career-high 30 points. Murdent was 13 for 19 from the floor in just over 27 minutes worth of playing time. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher scored 16 points, while sophomore Sarah Adams had 12 points. Senior point guard Krysten Parson scored nine points and had 12 assists.

Goshen hosts Huntington this Saturday at 1 p.m.

JAN. 19 — Goshen Takes 10th-Ranked St. Francis To Wire
Cougars hit game-winner with no time left to beat Goshen, 65-62

Big-time bucket: Junior Anna Smith ties the game with the first of her two second-half three-pointers. Smith's second three ball cut St. Francis' lead to one with 42 seconds to play.

Goshen, IN — Saturday’s game between Goshen and St. Francis was well worth the price of admission for those in attendance at the Roman Gingerich Center. Fans were treated to a doozey of a game, including seven ties,14 lead changes and a buzzer-beating finish.

When the smoke cleared, 10th-ranked St. Francis defeated Goshen by a 65-62 score on a last-second three-pointer that kept fans from witnessing even more great basketball.

“I was very pleased with our intensity and effort,” said Goshen head coach Kim Eiler. “We took a top ranked team to the wire.”

A defensive struggle throughout the first half, Goshen (11-8, 2-4) took a 31-26 lead into the intermission despite shooting only 33 percent from the floor. The second half would be more of the same, with the Leafs going only 11 for 30 from the field (36.7 percent), but ourtrebounding St. Francis by a 36-34 margin. Goshen also forced the Cougars into 14 turnovers on the afternoon.

With just under two minutes remaining in the game, Goshen trailed 58-62. Senior guard Krysten Parson missed a three-point attempt, but senior post Margene Murdent grabbed one of her three offensive rebounds. After working for a good shot, the ball wound up in junior Anna Smith’s hands. She promptly drilled her second three-pointer of the second half, making the score 61-62, Cougars.

Aptly, Goshen’s chances of winning would rest on the defensive end of the floor. After defending for most of the shot clock, St. Francis’ Nickole Behnk missed a jumper with 18 seconds to play. Goshen called a timeout with nine seconds remaining.

On the inbounds, Cougar Cassie Kline ran into Parson, and a foul was called. Parson connected on her first free throw, tying the game. Her second was off, and St. Francis collected the rebound. With three seconds remaining, St. Francis took a timeout. The Cougars would inbound from just inside half court. This time, Goshen could not get a stop. Megan Eckert got free and, off the inbounds pass, had a good look at a three-pointer while the clock ticked to zero. It went in, and the game was over.

“It hurt to lose this game, as the players were disappointed in the outcome,” Eiler said. “We will bounce back in a positive manner and not let this loss be a negative for us, though.”

Goshen was led by sophomore Lindsay Fisher’s 14 points. Murdent chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Parson dished out nine assists. Sophomore Sarah Adams had nine points and six rebounds off the bench, while six of Smith’s seven total points came on huge three-point baskets in the second half. Eckert, who hit the game-winner for St. Francis, finished with a game-high 19 points including three of four from downtown.

Goshen travels to Grace Wednesday for a 7 p.m. tip off.

JAN. 15 — Bethel Too Good In Second Half For Leafs
After trailing by only one point at halftime, Goshen gets outscored by 15 points in second stanza

Turnaround: Senior Margene Murdent scores in the lane during the second half against Bethel. Goshen was hard-pressed in finding ways to score Wednesday night, as Murdent was the only Maple Leaf in double-figures with 18.

Goshen, IN — It was a rough go of it for Goshen Wednesday night, as the Maple Leafs were beaten by a 16th-ranked Bethel squad 73-57. Goshen shot a collective 34 percent from the field for the game, the team’s worst shooting display since a Nov. 11 tilt with Trinity Christian, when the Leafs shot only 29 percent from the floor.

“Our effort wasn’t as good tonight as it had been in our previous games,” said Marc Green, Goshen assistant coach. “It hurt us that our outside shooting was not as consistent as it usually is.”

The Leafs (11-7, 2-3) placed only one player in double-figure scoring — senior Margene Murdent with 18 points — for the first time all season. The next highest point totals came from freshmen Kortney Hanson and Erin McDugle, who each scored nine points. Adding to Goshen’s woes was it’s two of 12 performance from beyond the three-point arc, good for just over 16 percent. Goshen starting guards shot the ball for a combined five of 23 stat line.

Not surprisingly, Goshen did not have the lead at any point in the ball game. Bethel rocketed out to an 8-0 lead before Goshen head coach Kim Eiler called for a timeout. Despite the Leafs’ offensive frustrations, the squad only trailed 32-33 at the intermission. Unfortunately for the Leafs, the shooting problems continued into the second stanza.

“We didn’t respond coming out of halftime and they did,” Green said. “That’s the difference in the game.”

Goshen, giving up size in the front three positions, was outrebounded by a 43-28 margin. Bethel pounded the ball inside on its offensive end — freshman post player Brandy Swihart scored a game-high 26 points — while the Pilots eventually outscored the Leafs 40-25 in the second half.

“When you play big, physical teams like that and you’re not strong, this type of thing usually happens,” Green said.

Bethel’s lead grew to 20 points in the second half, as the Leafs could not get any closer after the break. Senior guard Krysten Parson dished out a team-high seven assists for the Leafs, while junior Stephanie Sidener grabbed a team-high six boards.

Goshen hosts St. Francis this Saturday for a 1 p.m. tip time.

JAN. 12 — Leafs Knock Out Last Unbeaten Conference Opponent
79-63 win at Marian saddles all MCC schools with at least one conference loss

Scoring in bunches: Sophomore Lindsay Fisher goes to the basket against Indiana Wesleyan Wednesday. Fisher led the Leafs at Marian, scoring 23 points on eight of nine shooting.

Indianapolis, IN — Goshen knocked out the last undefeated team in the conference Saturday, winning at Marian by a 79-63 score.

The Leafs (11-6, 2-2) never trailed the Knights, with the final margin being the largest lead of the game.

“This was a nice road win for us against one of the top teams in the conference,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “We did a nice job defensively. It was a great team win as everyone came into the game and played their role.”

Goshen was led by sophomore guard Lindsay Fisher, who scored 23 points on eight of nine shooting, including two of two from three-point land. Senior running-mate Krysten Parson scored 18 points and dished out seven assists, while classmate Margene Murdent scored 14 points.
Goshen shot 64 percent from the field in the second half, turning a six point lead at halftime into the 16-point final margin. The Leafs were also very effective from the three-point line, shooting six of nine from downtown collectively.

Goshen hosts Bethel this Wednesday. Start time is 7 p.m.

JAN. 9 — Strong First Half Propels Leafs To 88-73 Win Over Indiana Wesleyan
Senior tandem too much for Wildcats in Goshen's first conference win

On fire: Senior Krysten Parson nails one of her three three-point baskets Wednesday night against Indiana Wesleyan. Parson had 23 points on the evening to lead all scorers.

Goshen, IN — The senior duo was just too good Wednesday night in the Roman Gingerich Center.

Classmates Krysten Parson and Margene Murdent scored 23 and 22 points, respectively, in leading Goshen past 23rd-ranked Indiana Wesleyan in the Leafs’ first Mid-Central Collegiate Conference win of the season.

“This was a well deserved win for the team,” said Goshen head coach Kim Eiler. “We have been playing people tough the last three games and our effort in practice has paid off.”

Goshen (10-6, 1-2) rocketed out to a 20-point lead in the first half, and took a considerable lead into the intermission at 46-28. The Wildcats made a serious run at the Leafs in the second half, going on a 24-11 run over a seven-minute span that made the score 65-58, Goshen, with 10:46 to play.

Wesleyan could get no closer, however, as Parson made Wesleyan pay for full-court pressure, driving the length of the floor on three different occasions and getting layups on the other end.

“We had an incredible first half on both ends of the court,” Eiler said. “We knew IWU would come back at us in the second half. We did a nice job of responding to their comeback.”

Parson had 12 assists to go along with her game-high 23 points. Murdent pulled in six rebounds, as did sophomore guard Lindsay Fisher, who had 16 points on the night. Freshmen Erin McDugle had eight points, all coming in the second half.

Goshen travels to Marian Saturday for a 1 p.m. tip-off.

JAN. 5 — Energy A Problem As Goshen Drops Game To Taylor
Team still searching for first conference win after 58-65 home loss

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher

Goshen, IN — Collective energy was hard to come by for Goshen Saturday, as the Leafs watched Taylor build a late first-half lead and hold on to win in the Roman Gingerich Center by a 65-58 score.

“We certainly struggled with energy today,” Goshen head coach Kim Eiler said. “This was not our typical intense effort.”

After competing between three ties and four lead changes in the first half, Taylor finished the stanza with a 18-5 run to make the score 37-25 at the intermission. Goshen (9-6, 0-2) saw the Trojan lead balloon to as many as 17 points in the second half before making a run of its own.

Most of the damage was done by sophomore Lindsay Fisher and senior Margene Murdent. Fisher finished with 24 points on nine of 23 shooting, going five of 16 from beyond the arc. Murdent was eight for 11 from the floor getting 17 points. Senior guard Krysten Parson dished out 10 assists to go along with five boards.

With 5:03 remaining, Goshen had methodically cut Taylor’s lead to eight. A steal and layup by Parson made the score 52-58 with 4:47 left. The Leafs could get no closer, however, as Taylor made free throws down the stretch.

“We got down but did a nice job of coming back,” Eiler said. “We need to play 40 minutes to win in this conference.”

Taylor hosts Indiana Wesleyan Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.

JAN. 2 — Goshen Scores Enough, But Can't Stop Huntington
Eiler attributes a lack of defense as reason for 78-83 loss to open conference play

Senior Krysten Parson

Huntington, IN — Following Wednesday night’s 78-83 loss to Huntington, Goshen head coach Kim Eiler was amused how her team could have the same amount of rebounds and turnovers as its opponent, shoot 45 percent from the field and 96 percent from the free throw line, and still lose the game.

“The bottom line was we couldn’t defend,” Eiler said. “You look at the stat sheet, and you’ve got to be pleased with our effort from the free throw line (24-25 as a team) and from the field (24-53 overall). We just couldn’t defend tonight.”

In its first conference match-up of the season, Goshen (9-5, 0-1) allowed Huntington to shoot 55 percent from the field for the game, including a 44 percent clip from behind the arc. The Leafs also saw an individual score over 30 points — Huntington’s Crissy Collins had 33 on the night — for the first time this season. Despite the lack of defense, Eiler was pleased with the team’s effort that led to a chance to win the game at the end.

After being down by nine points at the half, the Leafs overcame Huntington’s 59 percent shooting in the second half to pull within three points on several occasions. Senior Krysten Parson scored 19 points on five of eight shooting, while classmate Margene Murdent — ailed by a severe stomach virus — gutted out 18 points in 33 minutes of play. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher had 15 points, while freshman Erin McDugle had 12.

“We played about 15 minutes (of good basketball) tonight,” Eiler said. “I am proud of the kids, the way they fought back when they could have folded. I am also pleased with the effort in the second half. We tired to put ourselves in a position to win, and that’s all that you want.”

Goshen was down by as many as 13 points in the second half before making its run. The Foresters knocked down free throws down the stretch to ice the outcome.

Goshen hosts Taylor on Saturday. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.

DEC. 27-29 — Leafs Take Second Place At Holiday Tournament
Fisher and Murdent selected to all-tournament team after squad goes 2-1 over weekend

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher Senior Margene Murdent

Chicago, IL — The Goshen College women’s basketball won two games and lost one en route to a second place finish in this weekend’s Saint Xavier University Insure One Christmas Tournament.

Goshen (9-4, 0-0) defeated St. Francis (IL) 80-64 in the first round Thursday, beat Viterbo (WI) 82-68 on Friday, and lost to Aquinas (MI) 61-70 in the championship game Saturday afternoon. After this smorgasboard of basketball — eight teams all playing three games in three days — head coach Kim Eiler said her team will be better for the experience.

“I am very proud of our effort and focus this weekend,” Eiler said. “We had a great few days in Chicago gaining some valuable game experience."

Against St. Francis, the Leafs started slowly but picked up steam late. After leading by only four at the half, Goshen pounced to an early run and never looked back. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher shot the lights out, scoring 27 points on seven of 17 shooting, five of 11 from behind the arc. Senior Krysten Parson chipped in 15 while sophomore Sarah Adams did the same.

Friday versus Viterbo, it was a continuation from the second half of the St. Francis game, according to Eiler. The Leafs played extremely well against a good Viterbo team, and won handily. Senior Margene Murdent led the way with 22 points, while Fisher added 16 and Parson 14.

“We brought our ‘A’ game tonight,” Eiler said after Friday’s win. "We played with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor.”

It was Goshen’s second time playing Aquinas this season, the first meeting resulting in a 73-64 Leaf win on Nov. 14. According to Eiler, however, the first meeting was a tough win — as was the championship game of this tournament.

“We weren’t clicking all that well (against Aquinas on Saturday),” Eiler said. “We played hard but our decision making hurt us. The players were disappointed not to come out with the win.”

Goshen led 22-17 at the half but only shot 24 percent from the field in doing so. The Leafs' 36 percent tally overall and 27 percent clip from the three-point line were not enough to keep the Saints at bay for 40 minutes. Despite Murdent’s 24 points and nine rebounds, Aquinas won 70-61. Parson finished with 13 points and seven assists while Fisher had 10 points.

Both Murdent and Fisher were selected to the all-tournament team as a result of their play. Goshen begins conference play this Wednesday night at Huntington. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

DEC. 20 — Leafs Get Big Overtime Win For Christmas
Squad hangs on; freshman hits three big free throws to ice 68-65 final

Freshman Erin McDugle

Goshen, IN — The Maple Leafs secured a big win Thursday night in the Roman Gingerich Center, defeating Indiana Tech in overtime by a 68-65 score.

“This was a very nice win for us going into (Christmas) break,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach.

Goshen (7-3, 0-0) led most of the game, including margins as large as 10 points in the first half and nine in the second. However, the visiting Warriors closed regulation with a 10-1 run that made the score 57-57.

In the extra stanza, Goshen was just too solid. The Leafs scored the overtime’s first eight points, and perhaps more importantly, withstood another Warrior surge at the end.

After closing the Maple Leaf lead to three points with 1:05 remaining, freshman Erin McDugle was fouled. She connected on both free throws. After a made three-pointer by Tech’s Thyoshi Chambers, McDugle was fouled again. She hit one of two, providing a three-point cushion, and Tech could not get a last-ditch three-pointer to fall.

“We did a good job of holding our composure in a very intense game,” Eiler said. “We did a nice job on the boards and responded well when the game went into overtime.”

Goshen collected 49 total rebounds to Tech’s 37. McDugle’s overtime free throws — her only attempts of the game — capped one of her best nights as a collegian. She finished with a career-high 11 points and a career-tying high 10 boards. Senior Margene Murdent scored 22 points, while sophomore Lindsay Fisher had 16.

Goshen is idle until Dec. 27, when the team will travel to St. Xavier for a Holiday tournament. Game time and schedule is to be announced.

DEC. 15 — Leafs Return To Play With A Win Over Manchester
Team shoots nearly 55 percent from the floor in 83-72 victory

Senior Margene Murdent

DEC. 5 — Goshen Pulls Away From St. Mary's
Murdent goes for a double-double in 73-54 victory

Unstoppable: Senior Margene Murdent gets free under the basket for a pair of her 22 points on the evening Wednesday night. Murdent also finished with 11 rebounds.

Goshen, IN — Goshen College never trailed St. Mary’s College Wednesday night, and methodically came away with a 73-54 win at the Roman Gingerich Center.

Leading by as many as 16 points in the first half, the Leafs (5-3, 0-0) saw that lead cut in half by halftime. The second half proved to be just what Goshen head coach Kim Eiler had hoped for — a systematic increase in the lead throughout. Goshen had a 15 point lead just six minutes into the stanza. The Belles would get no closer for the remainder.

“We had good intensity throughout the game even though our first half wasn’t pretty,” Eiler said. “We cleaned up our defense and rebounding in the second half to pull away. It was a nice win for us heading into finals week.”

Senior Margene Murdent put up some serious numbers in the win. The post player scored 22 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and pounded five blocks in 32 minutes of play. Sophomore Lindsay Fisher added 16 points on five of eight shooting, while junior Anna Smith scored 10 points on a perfect night offensively — two for two from the field and five for five from the free-throw line.

The Leafs forced St. Mary’s into 27 turnovers, 16 coming in the second half of play. Goshen is idle until the 15th of December, when they travel to Manchester. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

NOV. 30-DEC. 1 — Leafs Get To Championship But Fall In Classic Finale
Team defeats Purude Calumet Friday but loses to Tri-State in own tournament

Three-ball: Freshman Kortney Hanson gets a good look at the basket in the second half against Purdue Calumet Friday night.

NOV. 20 — Parson Gets 1,000th Point In Leafs Win
Goshen defeats IUSB 91-76 with five players scoring in double-figures

History-maker: Senior Krysten Parson knockes down two of her 22 points Tuesday against IUSB. Parson scored her 1,000th career point in the process.

Goshen, IN — Shooting 55 percent from the three point line and 42 percent from the field overall helped move Goshen College past Indiana University South Bend 91-76 Tuesday night at the Roman Gingerich Center.

Senior guard Krysten Parson knocked in 22 points and dished out seven assists, becoming the eighth player in school history to score 1,000 points.

“Congratulations goes to Krysten,” said Kim Eiler, Goshen head coach. “We played 40 minutes of intense basketball this evening.”

Goshen (3-2, 0-0) placed five players in double-figures, led by sophomore Lindsay Fisher’s 26 points on six of 12 three-point shooting. Senior Margene Murdent chipped in 13, while freshman Erin McDugle and junior Anna Smith had 10 apiece. McDugle led the team in rebounding with seven. Parson’s seven assists puts her just seven away from the school record of 466 held by Jan Helmuth.

“We did a nice job tonight of stopping (IUSB’s) momentum,” said Eiler. “IUSB played hard and we responded to their runs.”

Goshen is off until Nov. 30 when they host the Goshen College Classic.

NOV. 17 — Leafs Drop Tough Overtime Decision Against Albion
Coach Eiler cites defense and decision-making as reasons for 75-81 loss

Rising: Sophomore Lindsay Fisher pulls up for two of her 16 points Saturday. Fisher's three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in regulation forced the extra stanza.

NOV. 14 — Goshen Finishes Strong At Aquinas
Team ends close game on top 73-64

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher Senior Margene Murdent

NOV. 10 — Leafs Bounce Back, Drill Calumet
Goshen has no problems on offense and scores 84 points in rout

The new threat: Freshman Kortney Hanson knocks down two of her team-high 17 points on Saturday. Hanson was one of four Leafs in double figures.

Sophomore Lindsay Fisher