JAN. 12 —Leafs earn first conference victory

Fights scores 17 in breakout performance

The first two minutes of play manifested two mise en scènes that would carry the Leafs to victory.  Junior Krystal Duensing hit a three-pointer on Goshen’s first possession; the Leafs went on to shoot 42.2 percent from behind the arc the rest of the way. 

On their ensuing offensive opportunity, the Leafs missed four consecutive field goals, but corralled three straight offensive rebounds.  The team out-rebounded the visitors 42-36 on the evening.

"We got off to a good start offensively,” said head coach Steve Wiktorowski.  “Defensive rebounding was a key and hitting some outside shots to open it up inside for our posts was another.  We knew their inside players were in foul trouble and we wanted to go at them."

Goshen never fell behind, though the Lancers pulled even on three occasions.  Jessica Johnson, a Lancer guard who finished with 11 points, set up the third and final stalemate via a three-pointer with 5:49 left in the first half, tying the score at 21. 

However, the Leafs went on an 11-4 run to take a 32-25 lead at intermission and Goshen continued their strong play into the second half.

“I thought the first 10 or 12 minutes of the second half was about as solid on both ends as we've played.  We had about a five-minute run where we lost our concentration and let them make a little run at us.  But we regained our focus, took good care of the ball against the press and hit our free throws late to finish with a comfortable margin.”

The Leafs (7-11, 1-4) were led by junior Kendra Fights with 17 points and 7 rebounds, first-year Cassie Greives with 15 points and 9 rebounds, sophomore Ashley Hummer with 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Duensing with 10 points, 6 assists and only one turnover while running the offense for most of the game. 

Wiktorowski wasn’t surprised at Fights breakout game. 

"I thought Kendra Fights has shown steady improvement lately and came through with her best all-around game of the season today,” he said.  “I also thought the Hummer twins both played one of their better games as of late, and it was especially good to see Ashley look for her shot.  Cassie Greives rushed things in the first half but settled down and was very efficient inside during the second.”

The Leafs have already surpassed their win total from last year with the better half of the conference season remaining.  The Leafs play next on Wednesday night when they host Taylor University in another conference contest.