Story written by: Amber Dieringer

WHITING, Ind.— The TIU Women's basketball team started off conference play strong as they stole a lead from the Calumet College of Saint Joseph (CCSJ) early on and continued to dominate offensively and defensively throughout the game for a 58-39 win.

The CCSJ Crimson Wave started off leading 7-0 after the first four minutes, but a layup by Bridgette Smith brought the momentum to start a positive run for the Trojans. Nika Bracun was a strong defensive force as she earned five defensive rebounds to add to her seven total rebounds in the half, and thirteen total rebounds in the game. Just before the end of the first half, the Trojans lost the lead but quickly stole it back before the half was over with a solid jump shot from Sophia Anaya.

The Crimson Wave were not able to get the momentum back, and the Trojan lead only increased in the third. The quarter ended with three point baskets by Smith and Kylee Daniels, and a buzzer-beater jump shot by Jendayi Campbell. The lead was brought to a game-high nineteen points in the fourth with a layup from Sophia Anaya.

The Trojans controlled the game offensively and defensively, outscoring CCSJ in every quarter, scoring 22 points in the paint as compared to CCSJ's 14, and forcing 21 turnovers.

Anaya finished with a team-high fifteen points, and Smith and Daniels also added a strong eleven points each. Along with Bracun, Brookelyn Robertson also contributed on the boards, adding six defensive rebounds to her eight total rebounds.

The Trojans will face another conference opponent this Saturday afternoon (November 18) as they travel to South Bend, Indiana to play IUSB.