(Box Score) FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Goshen College women’s basketball team turned in a solid effort to close the month of November on a high note. With all 11 players on the roster contributing, Goshen defeated Taylor University-Fort Wayne on Wednesday night by a score of 82-62, and improved to 4-3 on the season.
In contrast to what the final score might suggest, it was TUFW that got off to the quick start, as the Falcons were able to record the first points of the game and lock down on defense to keep Goshen’s offense in check and force a total of 19 turnovers during the half.
Despite a slow start, the Leafs were able to stay in control, thanks in part to a significant contribution from the bench. Scoring 11 of 39 first half points, Goshen’s bench was able to help build the lead up to as many as 10 points during the first half to keep the Leafs on top heading into the break, 39-34.
After the intermission, Goshen cranked up the intensity and got off to an early 10 point lead. However, the lead was short lived as the Falcons were able to fight back and close the gap midway through the half. Now only down by two points, TUFW was back in the game.
The Falcons continued to apply pressure, but the Leafs always had the answer to keep them at bay. And with close to eight minutes remaining in the game, Goshen opened up 24-point lead. Assistant Coach Jen Rupp commented on this swing of momentum by saying, “A key to the surge was solid rebounding, which we were able to turn into fast break points.”
Defensive rebounding turned out to be a key factor as the Leafs held a 21-14 advantage. They also kept the upper hand when it came to scoring points in the paint with 24, compared to 6 for TUFW.
Assistant Coach Barb Carbaugh added, “The team also stepped up its intensity on the defensive end of the floor, forcing some key turnovers which we were able to use to our advantage and helped us control those last critical moments of the game.”
To their credit, the Falcons kept the pressure on Goshen for the entirety of the game as they fought back from deficits of up to 10 points on multiple occasions. The Leafs needed a solid team performance to win, and that is precisely what happened as every member of the team contributed to the win and helped post a season high 18 assists.
Goshen's Cassie Greives, a first-year student from Rochester, Ind., ended the evening with the first double-double of her collegiate career by scoring 31 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. This accomplishment also made Greives the game’s top scorer as well as the overall leader in the rebound category.
Up next for the Leafs will be a visit to the campus of Purdue University-Calumet as they take on the Peregrines in Hammond, Ind. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Fitness and Recreation Center.
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2007-2008 Season News
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  Freshman Cassie Greives
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