BANNOCKBURN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University women's basketball team returned to action on Saturday afternoon as they took on the Madonna University Crusaders in the second day of the Trojan Basketball Classic at Van Dixhorn Arena on Saturday. Coming off a dominating win over Campbellsville-Harrodsburg (KY) in their season opener on Friday, the Trojans looked to make it two in a row to start the young season.

TIU jumped out to a quick lead in the opening quarter and would not look back after outscoring the Crusaders 19-9 in the opening frame. Trinity's rebounding ability, particularly on the defensive side of the ball proved to be a major key in their success, limiting Madonna to seven offensive rebounds on the afternoon and second chance scoring opportunities. Heading into the break, the Trojans would build a healthy 34-19 lead.

Continuing to roll on offense in the second half, Alina Jahnke became one of top targets in their fast break transition and inside the paint. Da'Naria Washington also contributed greatly with her ability to drain shots on the run. The Trojans would build their lead to as many as 27 points in the fourth period, ultimately holding the Crusaders to just 28% shooting from the floor en route to a 70-48 victory.

Three Trojans would end the afternoon with double-digit scoring figures, led by Jahnke's 24 points, ten rebound double-double with four blocked shots. Taylor Hibicke also posted a double-double with 15 points and ten boards, while Washington recorded ten points, six rebounds, and three steals. Louisa Schmidt notched eight points and 11 rebounds in the win as well

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• Saturday's game in Deerfield was just the third all-time meeting between Trinity International and Madonna. TIU's win marked the first time they have ever beaten the Crusaders in the short history of the series.

• For the first time since the 2012-13 season, the Trojans begin the season with consecutive victories. 

• Alina Jahnke and Taylor Hibicke both posted double-doubles in TIU's win over Madonna, becoming the first pair of Trojans to record a double-double in a game since Hibickie and Taylor Gafare achieved the feat back on Feb. 20, 2021 in a win over Maranatha Baptist.

• The Trojans outscored the Crusaders 32-20 in the paint in Saturday's game.

• Dominating the rebounding battle Trinity, posted 36 defensive rebounds in their win over Madonna compared to the Crusader's 17 defensive boards.

• Jahnke, who is TIU's all-time leader in career blocks, posted her 23rd career game with at least four blocked shots against Madonna.

• Lousia Schmidt's 11 rebounds on Saturday against the Crusaders were a career-high.

UP NEXT

The Trojans (2-0) return to action next Wednesday, November 10 as they open Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) play at Trinity Christian College. Tip-off of TIU's conference opener against the Trolls is scheduled for 5:30pm CT at DeVos Gymnasium in Palos Heights, and can be watched LIVE on the Trolls Sports Network.
 

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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.