Trojans Erupt in Third Quarter, Roll Past Holy Cross 90-71 in Season Opener

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Taylor women's basketball opened its season with a commanding 90-71 victory over Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon at McKenna Arena, using a dominant third-quarter performance to pull away from the Saints and secure the program's fifth straight season-opening victory.

TU moved to 1-0 on the season behind a breakout performance from freshman Kaycie Warfel, who poured in a game-high 25 points on 8-of-17 shooting in her first start as a Trojan. Preseason All-Crossroads League selection Emma Fohl added 12 points and dished out seven assists with six boards, while sophomore transfer Celina Blount registered a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and eight blocks. TU received solid contributions up and down the lineup, as freshman Madi Allen also reached double figures in the scoring column with 17 points.

The contest opened with frenetic, high-paced play that led to turnovers on both sides. Fohl set the tone with a steal on the opening possession before Warfel opened the scoring with a 3-pointer. Fohl followed with another triple on the next possession to give Taylor an early 6-3 advantage.

Holy Cross responded with a run to take its first lead at 14-13 after Fohl's second three-pointer ended a three-minute scoring drought. The Trojans trailed by as many as four points in the opening quarter before Holy Cross carried a 19-16 advantage into the second period.

The second quarter saw the Trojans begin to find their rhythm. Trailing 21-16 early in the frame, Warfel connected on a jumper to trim the deficit to 21-18. Allen then drilled a three-pointer to give Taylor a 23-22 lead with under eight minutes remaining in the half, marking the Trojans' first advantage since leading 10-9 late in the first quarter. Warfel converted two free throws and scored on a fastbreak layup off a Fohl assist to push the lead to 27-24 with 6:27 left in the second.

The teams traded baskets before Fohl knocked down her third three-pointer to put Taylor ahead 30-29 with under two minutes until halftime. Her fourth triple of the half tied her career high and sparked a quick 7-0 run that gave the Trojans a 37-33 halftime lead. Holy Cross had managed 11 points off 10 Taylor turnovers in the first half, but the Trojans carried momentum into the break.

TU rode that momentum and turned the game into a rout. Blount converted a three-point play and Warfel scored on a driving layup off Blount's dish to push the advantage to 48-40. Warfel then completed a three-point play to extend the lead to 51-40, its largest of the game at that point.

Over a span of just under six minutes, Warfel scored eight points during a 13-0 run that put TU ahead 56-40 midway through the third quarter.

However, the Trojans were just getting started and embarked on a stunning 26-1 run that completely changed the complexion of the game. Allen's jumper at 2:29 of the third quarter gave the Trojans their largest lead at 63-41, during a stretch in which Taylor outscored Holy Cross 34-12 in the frame. The Trojans shot over 55 percent (10 of 18) in the period and converted 13 of 14 free throws while holding the Saints to just 5-of-16 shooting. TU's adjustment in taking care of the rock was the difference, with only one turnover in the third quarter after turning it over 11 times before halftime.

TU took a commanding 71-43 lead into the final quarter and cruised to the finish line.

Marissa Trout contributed four assists and three boards off the bench, while Quinn Kelly added six points, six rebounds and two assists. The Trojans shot over 43 percent from the field for the game, including 41 percent from three-point range, and converted 21 of 25 (84%) free throws.

Holy Cross was led by Allie Caldwell's 21 points and Sincere Coleman-Francis' 14 points. Kaiden Hanley added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Saints, who fell to 0-1 on the season. Holy Cross shot 41 percent from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 4 of 14 attempts (29%).

The Trojans will tune up with a pair of exhibitions against NCAA Division I opponents this week, facing Cincinnati on Monday and Butler on Tuesday, before hosting their home opener on Saturday, Nov. 1, against IU South Bend. Opening tipoff inside Odle Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, following TU's home volleyball match.