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NOV.
17 — Goshen Handles Physicality On Road In Big Win
Leafs
show toughness, persistence in 65-60 beating of Siena Heights |
Adrian,
MI — In addition to packing game shoes and road uniforms
for Wednesday night’s game at Siena Heights University,
the Goshen College women’s basketball team might as well
have packed head gear and boxing gloves.
Of course, that would make it tougher to hit free throws.
Playing in a ridiculously physical game that resulted in 22 fouls on the host
team and Goshen (3-2, 0-0) knocking in 25 of 28 foul shots, the Leafs maintained
poise and discipline in a big 65-60 win over the NAIA Div. I Saints Wednesday
night. Goshen used the free throw line and rebounding to its advantage — the
Leafs out-boarded the Saints by a 39 to 29 count overall and a 29 to 17 advantage
in defensive caroms — in hanging on during a game in which even Goshen
head coach Steve Wiktorowski finished tired.
“This game was the most physical of any I have coached at Goshen College,” Wiktorowski
said. “We tried to take advantage of that by going inside and getting to
the free throw line. Both teams had difficulty running their offense because
of the tough defense and there were a lot of turnovers. Rebounding was a big
key for us as we tried to make them shoot from outside and limit them to just
one shot.”
A total 40 turnovers (Goshen had 18) and a combined shooting percentage of just
36.8 percent between the teams painted the picture for Wednesday’s contest,
as the Leafs shot just slightly better than the Saints (17 for 43, 39.5 percent
compared to Siena Heights’ 21 of 60, 35 percent) in the win. Goshen also
had senior Erin McDugle to turn to, who did everything but save the day. McDugle
poured in a career-high 32 points on nine of 14 shooting, including drilling
a three-pointer while being fouled to help ice the game late.
“We obviously did a good job of getting the ball to Erin McDugle despite
the defensive pressure, and she responded,” Wiktorowski said. “I
felt her ability to hit three of four three-pointers really opened up the middle
for some others to go inside and get fouled.”
In addition to McDugle’s offensive explosion, Wiktorowski received solid
play from senior Candice Williams (nine points), sophomore Danielle Haney (seven
points), junior Jennifer Rupp (six points), freshman Kelsy McKee (six points)
and senior Kortney Hanson, who finished with six points, six rebounds and six
assists to just two turnovers.
“The key to our win may have been the floor leadership of Kortney Hanson
who ran the offense against their pressure,” Wiktorowski said. “Jenn
Rupp’s play off the bench and Kelsy McKee’s defense were also very
important. A hard fought road game like this will hopefully help us prepare for
a very tough tournament this weekend.”
Goshen will next travel to the Olivet Nazarene University Holiday Inn Express
Tournament this weekend, where two more NAIA Div. I teams will await the Leafs.
Goshen will open the event Friday at 3 p.m., when the team will take on NAIA
Div. I ninth-ranked Campbellsville University. |
  Senior
Erin McDugle
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