Trojans Toppled by No. 8 Saint Francis

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Taylor women's basketball was stifled Wednesday by Crossroads League foe and defending NAIA Division II National Champion Saint Francis, as the Trojans shot poorly from the field at just 26.8 percent.

"Saint Francis has incredible individual talent and challenged us in every aspect of the game," said head coach Kelly Packard. "We were able to get open looks offensively but struggled to convert a high percentage of uncontested shots."

None of the Trojans were able to reach double-figure scoring, as the Cougars played well on the defensive end and disrupted the Taylor offense. In contrast, Saint Francis shot an efficient 55.1 percent from the floor and converted on 6-of-13 from beyond the arc.

Taylor was able to match its season-high total with seven three-pointers made on 20 attempts, which helped to occasionally stem the runs of Saint Francis. The Cougars however dictated play throughout, leading by 12 at the intermission before the advantage ballooned to its largest at 35 points following an 11-0 spurt midway through the second half.

Both teams turned the ball over 19 times, with Taylor coming up with 12 steals. Saint Francis held a slim 35-33 advantage on the glass, and the Cougars also were able to produce 31 bench points to 23 for the Trojans.

Saint Francis had three players in double-figure scoring, led by 18 from Akyah Taylor who also corralled eight rebounds. Emily Montgomery knocked down 3-of-4 from beyond the arc on her way to 13 points, while forward Brooke Ridley had 12 points of her own along with two blocks and three steals.

Josie Cobb paced Taylor with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the three-point line. Megan Richardson had eight points along with three blocks and three steals, and Jackie Osenbaugh added seven points and six rebounds.

Taylor (4-5, 1-1 CL) suffers its first Crossroads League defeat after previously stopping Grace inside of Odle Arena. The Trojans will next play on the road against No. 17 Marian on Saturday. The tip is set for 1:00 pm in Indianapolis.