Goshen College’s women’s basketball team faced Indiana Wesleyan University on November 24.  The Maple Leafs knew they were facing an uphill battle against the #14 ranked IWU, and struggled in the first half on both sides of the court.  Goshen had fifteen turnovers in the first half, and struggled to slow Indiana Wesleyan’s potent, top-ranked offense.  The Wildcats shot 52% from the field in the first half, and led the Maple Leafs 29-18 at the half.

Following a Wildcat 10-2 scoring run to open the second half, Goshen started battling back from the 19 point deficit.  The team forced 19 turnovers, and held IWU to 38% shooting in the second half.  The difference was confidence, thinks head coach Steve Wiktorowski.  “We had a lot of players who were in their first conference game ever or in over a year and it just took them a little time to relax against a team with their experience.”

Goshen continued to chip away at IWU, coming within two points in the final minute of the game.  However, Goshen was unable to make the game-tying shot at the horn to cap the amazing comeback.  Cassie Greives, a junior, had 18 points and seven rebounds, and Sam Hawk, a first year, came off the bench for five points and six rebounds.  “We have better depth this year which has helped us remain competitive despite the fact that one of our leading scorer’s from last year; Heather Hahn, a senior,  has been out all year so far with an ankle injury,” said Wiktorowski.

The team traveled to face Indiana University – Northwest this Tuesday to avenge a 60-55 loss to the RedHawks two weeks ago.  The Maple Leafs once again displayed inconsistent play as they had troubles early on, being down by as many as 14 points.  Goshen rallied late in the half to cut the deficit to three at the half.

The Leafs dominated the rest of the game, winning 62-50.  Erica Yost, a junior,  led the team in scoring with 12 points.  Though proud of how the team played in the last half, Wiktorowski knows there is work to be done.  “We need to become more consistent offensively, which should happen with more game experience,” he said.

The Leafs will host Bethel College this Saturday at 1 pm.