After enduring ten straight losses, several injuries and multiple illnesses, the Maple Leafs prevailed over Spring Arbor University on Saturday, Feb. 21. Not only was the match-up a wrap for the season’s scheduled home games, but the victory also served as a noble send-off for co-captain Krystal Duensing, a senior from Osceola, Ind. Jump starting the game with an early 12 point lead, the Maple Leafs immediately took control, setting the pace against Spring Arbor. By halftime, the Leafs managed to expand their lead to 15 points, finding strength where they had recently been falling short. “We shot the ball...

By Brandon Long • March 4, 2009 • Sports

Coaches in Goshen, Mishawaka and across the country wore sneakers and suits to their games on Saturday in support of Coaches vs. Cancer. Over the past two years, this program has raised $175,000 from gate proceeds. Though the NAIA raised a significant amount of money for Coaches vs. Cancer, the Maple Leafs struggled with their own battle against rival school Bethel College. Coming into Saturday’s home game against the No. 22 Pilots, Goshen’s women’s team was depleted by injuries. The Maple Leafs were reduced to seven active starters due to a combination of previous player injuries and newly acquired injuries...

By Matt Harms • February 4, 2009 • Sports

The Goshen College Maple Leafs lost more than just the game on Saturday against the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. Returning from a knee injury that occurred on Jan. 17 against Marian College, Stormy Holder heard a loud snap when her ankle gave out from under her as she attempted to drive to the basket during Saturday’s 52-45 loss. “[When] I hit the floor,” said Holder, a first-year, “I was instantly in one of the worst pains of my life.” Though the extent of the injury has yet to be determined, Maple Leafs Coach Steve Wiktorowski said that Holder’s absence will impact...

By Brandon Long • January 28, 2009 • Sports

With such determination and willpower found only in the most passionate student-athletes, Krystal Duensing, a senior, has consistently proved herself to be a valuable asset to the Goshen College women’s basketball team. Striving for improvement with her dedication to the team, Duensing has earned herself the title of co-captain for the third year in a row. However, to Duensing, this year is special. “As the only senior, I am the most experienced player,” said Duensing. “I know what Coach Wik wants – and I feel like, as a senior – it is my responsibility to help the younger players. I...

By Brandon Long • January 21, 2009 • Sports

This season for the Lady Leaf’s has been anything but easy. Several injuries have kept them from a full roster and they continued to struggle over winter break with the brief absence of head coach Steve Wiktorowski. “It was tough,” said Wiktorowski, “because my father died during break, and I had to miss some games on the road. I think this put some pressure on the girls because they were trying to win for me but they were kind of out of their routine.” Over break, the Leaf’s accumulated two wins and five losses including a hard defeat by Indiana...

By Brandon Long • January 14, 2009 • Sports