First-Half Lead Slips in Heartbreaking Home Loss

UPLAND, Ind. – A 31-18 halftime lead slipped and gave way to a heartbreaking, down-to-the-wire finish for Taylor on Saturday afternoon in a 62-60 loss against Goshen (9-7, 3-4 CL).

The game started wonderfully for head coach Cassie Wiseman's squad, which took a 13-4 lead five minutes in following three-pointers by Whitney Warfel, Emma Fohl and Quinn Kelly.

Taylor's lead grew to 17-6 by the end of the first quarter, in which the Maple Leafs were held to 3-of-17 accuracy from the floor.

The Trojans added to their advantage with Warfel quickly eclipsing double figures, while Kelly dominated all facets of the game with seven rebounds and three assists by the intermission.

TU went back-and-forth with GC through the first couple minutes of the third period, but the Leafs upped their energy and shot-making to soon get within two with under a minute to play in the frame. A jumper by Warfel brought the sophomore's scoring total to 18 points as she gave the hosts a 48-44 advantage with one quarter to play.

Goshen continued their improved effort, however, and took multiple two-point leads midway through the fourth.

Kacey Ott responded by knocking down two free throws and a jumper to pull TU ahead, and Fohl made a layup with 3:37 remaining to extend the Trojan lead to 56-53.

Moments later, Ott and Warfel made baskets to hand Taylor a 60-55 advantage with 1:44 remaining and victory in sight.

The visiting Leafs executed on both ends of the court down the stretch, though, including three steals and a block in the closing minute, to lift themselves to the come-from-behind win.

Warfel closed with a game-high-tying 18 points, while Kelly secured a season-high 10 rebounds to go with nine points and a game-high five assists.

Fohl tallied nine points and three assists, and Kendall Wayne and Ott went for eight points apiece.

The Trojans outrebounded Goshen 41-28, but they lost the turnover battle 21-15 and could not keep up with the visitors' second-half sharpshooting.

Taylor (5-12, 0-7 CL) next plays at Huntington (9-8, 2-5) on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m.