By Nick Van Heest
Capitalizing on turnovers, second-chance points and a deep bench, the No. 22 Taylor women's basketball team dominated Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Their 116-79 victory last Saturday in Terre Haute was the Trojans' highest point total since 2005.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods' full-court press ensured the game would have an up-tempo pace, but Taylor's 13-9 player advantage wore out the Pomeroys as the game progressed.
"The entire game was fast-paced and very little time was wasted on the shot clock," said senior guard Tess Rudolph. "We got a ton of possessions and were able to convert those into points most times."
Head Coach Tena Krause mentioned the player advantage as a key factor.
"Late in the second half especially, the depth of our bench really gave us an edge, and we were able to capitalize on some easy baskets," Krause added.
The Trojans (3-0) held a 64-37 rebound advantage, including 28 offensive boards, while limiting the Pomeroys (0-3) to 34 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from outside the arc.
"Everyone worked very well together, and we had a lot of assists and great plays," said junior forward Shayna Wood. "We all played very selflessly."
The Trojans had the game in hand by the time the first-half buzzer sounded, leading the Pomeroys 58-31.
The second half contained more of the same, as Taylor's domination allowed Krause to rest the starters and play every Trojan for at least 10 minutes.
Senior forward Erin Guarneri led the Trojans with 23 points, and Rudolph contributed 20. Four players scored double digits, and every player scored.
Taylor shot an efficient 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent from the free throw line.
Sophomore forward Sarah Waid led Taylor defensively with eight boards.
"It was a three-hour road trip to get there, but we didn't come out flat," Krause said. "We dominated from the tip and kept going."
Up next for the Trojans is a lengthy road trip to Sterling, Kan., for the Sterling College Classic this weekend. The Trojans will play Sterling on Friday and Tabor on Saturday.
"Both are very good teams, very physical," Krause said. "They should give us a good test."
Conference play kicks off for the Trojans next Tuesday, when the team pays Goshen a visit.
After finishing eighth in conference last year, the Trojans were voted third in the Crossroads League Coaches' Poll, and they have high hopes for the season.
"We want to regain respect in our conference and hope to win the conference in regular season and in the tournament and go to nationals," Rudolph said.
The upperclassmen have bonded during their time together on the court.
"It's my last year, so I want to cherish the moments I have with my teammates," Guarneri said. "I love playing with these girls!"
Junior guard Kelsey Bryant agreed.
"My favorite thing about basketball season is getting to grow together as a team. We have so much fun all year."
No matter how the season turns out, the Trojans are staying grounded in their faith.
"Our main goal is to come together as one to glorify the Lord with all of our words and actions," senior forward Erika Redweik said. "We are playing for an audience of One."
