Trojans Stymied by Seventh-Ranked Cougars in Road Defeat

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Playing its third consecutive matchup against a ranked opponent, RV Taylor (14-2, 4-2 CL) couldn't overcome a staunch defensive effort by No. 7 Saint Francis (15-1, 5-1 CL) on Wednesday, as the Trojans were limited to a season-low scoring output in a 62-44 defeat at Hutzell Athletic Center.

Kaycie Warfel led Taylor with 13 points while Celina Blount and Madi Allen chipped in with seven each. Quinn Kelly pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds with five points.

Taylor led 11-8 after a slow start in the opening quarter on both sides before the teams went into halftime tied at 23-23.

The Trojans had trailed 16-11 early in the second period until a Blount three sparked momentum to help Taylor close the first half on a strong note. TU drilled 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions, as Kelly, Warfel and Emma Ancelet each knocked down a shot from beyond the arc.

Despite the hot shooting before intermission, the third quarter proved the difference in the game as the Trojans were outscored 17-6 after shooting 2 for 17 (11.8%) overall in the stanza.

A Warfel three at the 6:22 mark in the third period cut the Saint Francis lead to one, 29-28, but the Cougars responded to close out the third quarter with an 11-1 run for an 11-point lead heading to the fourth quarter, 40-29.

Saint Francis led by double digits for most of the final period. A short-range jumper from Allen trimmed the deficit to single digits with TU trailing 42-33 with over eight minutes remaining. But, the Cougars countered again with a quick 9-0 run to take the lead for good.

The Trojans were limited to a season-low 26.2-percent (17-65) shooting mark with nine of TU's 17 made field goals coming from three-point range. TU finished the night shooting 27.3 percent (9-33) from distance.

Saint Francis, which earned its sixth win in a row, shot 43.9 percent overall from the field, with much of its scoring coming from the interior. The Cougars outscored the Trojans 42-14 on points scored in the paint and logged a 42-30 advantage in rebounding.

Renna Schwieterman led the hosts with a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds, including five offensive boards.

Taylor will look to bounce back Saturday with another ranked road matchup at No. 20 Huntington. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Platt Arena.