Hammond, IN — With a constant emphasis on day-to-day improvement, Goshen head coach Steve Wiktorowski saw his young team have a great chance to snag a coveted win at Purdue University-Calumet Saturday afternoon.

For now, he’ll have to be satisfied with baby steps.

Playing one of its most complete games of the season, the Goshen College women’s basketball team could not make the key plays late in a disheartening 45-49 loss to the host Lady Peregrines. Goshen (1-11, 0-4) had multiple chances but could not score a field goal in the game’s final 2:26, allowing Purdue-Calumet to put on a late comeback to steal the win.

“This was a very disappointing loss because I felt that we outplayed them on their floor but did not make a couple of plays late to get the win against a very athletic team,” Wiktorowski said. “Our defense was very solid in controlling the tempo of the game and forced them to shoot outside. But like them, we didn’t shoot very well for the game and reacted like a young team with the game on the line despite doing many positive things throughout the contest. We haven’t been in many close games at the end this year and so it is important for our first- and second-year players to learn something from this missed opportunity.”

It was the Leafs’ defense that kept the game close throughout, as Goshen allowed Purdue-Cal to shoot just 33.3 percent in the first half. Unfortunately, the Leafs’ efficiency was slightly worse, as the team connected on nine of 31 first-half field goal attempts (29 percent) en route to a 23-27 deficit at the intermission.

The tables turned in the second period, as it was Goshen that connected on 33.3 percent of its tries while holding Purdue-Calumet to just 25 percent shooting, setting up a thrilling finish. With just over three minutes to play, Goshen held a 42-39 advantage and seemed to have the momentum on its side. That’s when Purdue-Cal’s Michelle Jones came to life, scoring a three pointer to tie the game at 42-42 before making the team’s next two field goals. Her putback basket at the game’s 2:26 mark was the final bucket for either team, as Purdue-Calumet was able to steal the win.

Defense was the key for both teams in this contest, as fans witnessed a total 89 rebounds thanks in large part to that many missed shots. A total 36 field goals were made, with Goshen taking a slight advantage at the free throw line (six of 11, 54.5 percent compared to Purdue-Cal’s four of seven, 57.1 percent). Purdue-Calumet was able to take better advantage of its offensive rebounding — both teams finished with 17 offensive caroms — scoring 16 second-chance points to Goshen’s seven. The Leafs held a firm advantage in bench play, however, outscoring the Lady Peregrines’ reserves by a 21 to four count.

Freshman Rachel Canen led the way for Goshen in scoring, charting 12 points on four of 12 shooting from the floor. Classmate Troyanna Scott was next in line with nine points, while junior Danielle Haney and sophomore Carly Feldman added six apiece. Sophomore Sarah Arnold scored just two points, but had a team-high six rebounds from her guard position.

“We ran our fast break better and got a few easy baskets for a change,” Wiktorowski said. “I was especially pleased with our bench play as we had some people come in and play really well. Scott and Feldman both came in and did some very valuable things in the post on both ends of the floor. Danielle Haney gave us another spark off the bench and played one of her best games offensively and defensively. Canen got a start today and gave us some continued offensive spark. Sarah Arnold also did a good job in the second half pushing the ball up the floor and getting our transition game going. We are making definite strides and hopefully, even though it’s a loss, this game will teach us a lot in making us better for future games.”

Goshen will return to the Roman Gingerich Center on Tuesday night, when the team will host Spalding University. Game time is set for 7 p.m.