Landry Long | Co-Sports Editor
The Taylor women's basketball team put a passion-fueled victory together this past Saturday on Senior Day when they defeated Huntington University by a score of 70-63.
With their final performance in Odle Arena, seniors Emma Brattain and Taylor Degenkolb both scored in double figures, combining for 23 points. Head coach Kelly Packard acknowledged the aura in the arena for the seniors' final send-off.
"Senior night is always emotional and special as it's usually the last time our seniors play in this building," Packard said. "You know if you don't win that game it always takes somewhat of an edge off of that whole experience of Senior Day. Getting a win and getting a win over Huntington for Emma and Taylor was special, and it was the best atmosphere in Odle Arena that we had all year long."
The starters for the Trojans accounted for 67 of the 70 total points. Sophomore Cassidy Wyse padded her stat line against the Foresters, dancing with a triple-double with 12 points, a career-high eight assists, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Sophomore Josie Cobb added in 10 points, seven boards and three assists.
Freshman Kendall Bradbury not only led the Trojans in points with 22 but added to her already impressive resume by setting the single-season record for points by a TU freshman. Bradbury netted at least 20 points for the 14th time this season, increasing her total tally for the season to 563 points.
"It's been crazy because if you would've told me this time last year that I would've had this big of an impact on this time, I wouldn't have believed you," Bradbury said. "It's just been awesome. I'm thankful to coach Packard for giving me all the opportunities and playing time that she has this year, and I'm really thankful for my teammates that they have so much confidence in me to have stepped and been in this position."
Packard is pleased with Bradbury's performance this season and believes her ability far exceeds her college basketball experience.
"Kendall has a countenance on the court that is well above her years in age," Packard said. "She's been able to provide a lot of stability for us as a freshman, and I also think that she balances her success and she knows where that fits inside our program."
The Trojans ended their season in the opening round of the Crossroads League Tournament with a loss to Marian with a score of 56-72. With a 16-15 overall record, the team will return three starters and nine of 11 letter winners for the 2016-17 season.
Photograph by Fayth Glock
