HUNTINGTON, Ind. - Women's basketball traveled to participate in the Huntington University Forester Classic. On the first day, the Maple Leafs took on Lawrence Tech, and won by just two points, on a scoreline of 59-57.Â
The Leafs got off to a strong start in the first quarter, leading 8-4, thanks to baskets from Zy'Ann Phinezy and Ruby Murrell. The Leafs then shut out the Blue Devils for around seven minutes, where they went on a 9-0 run of their own, largely due to Lucia Peñas Orjas and Emani Washington. The Leafs took a seven point advantage into the second quarter.
The Blue Devils pulled it back to within a point before the Maple Leafs opened their account for the second quarter when, with the score at 13-12, Naomi Acuna hit a jumpshot. A minute later, a Paetyn Miller two-pointer brought Lawrence Tech level. From here, the teams were tied at 17 and 19, before a Peñas Orjas shot at the buzzer brought the teams level at half time.
The Blue Devils got the upper hand at the start of the third quarter. They kept Goshen at arms reach before two points from Acuna put the Leafs back on even terms. The teams were then tied at 31, 33 and 40. A three-pointer from Lawrence Tech followed by a two from Goshen gave the Blue Devils a one point advantage with 10 minutes left to play.
It took Goshen just over two minutes to reclaim the lead in the fourth quarter, when Peñas Orjas scored from deep. Lawrence Tech then regained the lead before a Murrell three-pointer put Goshen back ahead as they got to 50 first with 4:30 left to play. With 4:05, Goshen led by four after an Acuna free throw. Goshen kept their lead and defended well and with two seconds left with Goshen in the bonus, a foul on Isabella Wroblewski sent her to the line to shoot free throws. Wrobleski had a one-for-two trip, which was the final scoring of the contest, giving the Leafs the victory.
Peñas Orjas and Phinezy had season highs in points, with 18 and 16 respectively. Murrell played 30 minutes, a career high, and scored 11 points for her second highest total of the season. Acuna scored nine points for a season high, which included four field goals, another career high. The Leafs had their fewest turnovers of the season, with 12.
The Maple Leafs are back in action for the second day of the Forester Classic on Saturday, Nov. 14, when they play Rochester Christian. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
