BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- Exactly 318 days since a home game was played on TIU's Bannockburn campus, the Trinity International University women's basketball team welcomed the Goshen College Maple Leafs to Van Dixhorn Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Trojans, coming off a loss on the road yesterday at Grace (Ind.), looked to bounce back in their home opener.

TIU and Goshen opened the game trading baskets and the lead through much of the first quarter before a Taylor Hibicke layup in the final minute of the frame tied the game up at 13 a piece. In the second, defense was the name of the game as the Trojans held the Maple Leafs to just five points in the frame. While Trinity was only able to score nine points themselves, it was enough to maintain a 22-18 halftime lead.

The Trojans took control in the third quarter as Breleigh Gula became key to opening up the offense inside. Brittany Gafare  was able to reach the basket twice, while Carly Scheblo drained a critical three midway through the period. Trinity was also able to draw six Goshen fouls to reach the free throw line. Louisa Schmidt hit one of two shots from the line to give the Trojans their largest lead at 12 points with just over a minute to go in the quarter. 

Despite a late push by the Leafs, the Trinity defense locked down and held their opponents to 32% shooting in the fourth quarter, while being able to secure key defensive rebounds, and being aided by a pair of Alina Jahnke blocks. Goshen would pull within three points in the final minute, but were unable to finish the comeback after a Gafare layup with 13 seconds to go to seal the 53-48 win.

Jahnke notched her second double-double of the season with a game-high 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. Scheblo ended the day with nine points, while Gafare finished with eight points, and Hibicke with seven points.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• Today's win over the Maple Leafs snaps a four-game, marking the first win over Goshen since November 15, 2013. The Leafs still lead the all-time series 5-4. 

• The Trojans have now started the last six seasons with a 2-2 record.

• Lousia Schmidt's six points are a new season-high.

• The Trojans committed a season-low 12 turnovers.

• TIU grabbed a season-high 39 rebounds, including a season-best 32 boards on defense.

• Taniece Chapman and Kiarah Copeland led the Leafs with 14 points each.

• Graysen Cokcerham notched 11 rebounds in the loss.

• The Leafs were held to just 31.3% shooting from the floor, while the Trojans shot 40.8%

• With today's victory, head coach Irvin Jerry earned the 75th win of his NAIA coaching career. Jerry won 36 games from 2013-17 at San Diego Christian, and 39 at TIU.

UP NEXT

The Trojans (2-2) will return to action and begin Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play on Wednesday, January 6 as they visit the Tiger of Olivet Nazarene in Bourbonnais. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30pm CT and can be watched LIVE on the ONU Tiger Sports Network.

Visit TIUtrojans.com to stay up to date with the latest TIU women's basketball news and schedule updates.

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Trinity International University is a comprehensive, national university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and located in Bannockburn, Illinois, 25 miles north of Chicago. TIU educates men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness and lifelong learning.