JAN. 16 —Trojans outlast furious Goshen comeback

Four Leafs score in double-figures in balanced effort

"It was good to see we had the ability to come back several times tonight, but we must avoid putting ourselves in situations where we need to do so,” said head coach Steve Wiktorowski.

The Trojans came out strong and took an early 8-0 lead before Kendra Fights put the Leafs on the board with a lay-up almost five minutes into the game.  Fights later hit a pair of short-range jumpers to put Goshen on top 16-14 with 9:27 left in the first half.  However, the Trojans built up a 33-26 advantage to close out the first period.

Taylor’s momentum spilled over into the second half, and a stretch of Goshen turnovers and defensive breakdowns resulted in a 59-39 Trojan advantage with eight minutes left in the game. 

Instead of rolling over, the Leafs responded with a 27-10 run and a stifling press.  With 31 seconds left in the game, Goshen found itself down only 69-66.   Now in position to pirate a dubious victory, Goshen still had to foul to regain possession.  Taylor’s Nikki Kassebaum finally laid to rest the Maple Leaf siege by connecting on 5-6 free throws in the final minute, giving the Trojans a scanty, but sufficient 72-66 final margin.

“I was proud of how hard we fought at the end and showed belief in our ability to come back,” said Wiktorowski.  “We just have to avoid those stretches of turnovers that have plagued us all season."

Goshen gave up 25 turnovers in the game.

The Leafs administered one of its most balanced offensive efforts of the season, putting four players in double-digit scoring.  Ashley and Kimmie Hummer, sophomores, scored 13 points each while junior Krystal Duensing contributed 10 points and first-year Cassie Greives 11.  Sophomore Lindsay Gangloff chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds. 

"I thought the Hummers hit some big shots when we needed them.  Lindsay Gangloff attacked the boards and was effective in the press.  Kendra Fights also gave us some good boards, passing, and has showed improved defense the last couple games, while Leah Lehman played good defense both halves and handled the ball without any turnovers.” 

“There were some definite positives tonight; we just have to eliminate the mistakes that keep us from pushing ourselves over the top."

The Leafs (7-12, 1-5) and will travel to Huntington on Saturday.