GOSHEN, IN — Instead of attempting to initiate her time at the controls with some softer matchups, first-year head coach Courtney Peay marched her Trojans right into the heat of battle against a duo of quality opponents in the Ruth Gunden Memorial Classic. While the Trojans didn't find success in results, the message is loud and clear—this team won't back down for anybody.

Trinity started off with a tough draw against the Cougars of St. Francis (Indiana) on Friday afternoon. The Trojans struggled to get things going against a stifling Cougar defense, but saved the best for last, scoring 16 of their 22 points in the final quarter. Sophomore point guard Da'Naria Washington was the focal point for the Trojans, battling through the entire 40 minutes without a rest and leading the way with six points and five steals. Trinity also received solid contributions from Amber Reynolds and Ashley Geisler, who each drilled a triple and totaled five points, and Breleigh Gula, who came off the bench to deliver a well-rounded line with three points, seven boards, and two dimes as the Trojans fell 78-22.

After suffering the lopsided defeat on Friday, the Trojans posted a far more competitive effort against a talented Goshen College squad, losing 79-51. Despite the loss, the Trojans kept things close throughout the first quarter and outscored their opponent in the third. Washington was a force offensively for Trinity, as she stuffed the stat sheet with 27 points on an efficient 11-23 shooting, including 3-5 from beyond the arc, while also chipping in five boards, two assists, three blocks, and two steals. Reynolds was solid in support of the brilliant Washington, totaling eight points and four boards, while Jakyah Amous posted a remarkable effort off the bench, flirting with a double-double in an eight-point, eight-rebound performance.

Despite the pair of defeats, there were still plenty of positive takeaways from the season-opening weekend. They showed a significant improvement from their first game to their second, and Washington's dominant effort in the finale gave a glimpse into her superstar potential after she registered a solid 9.6 points per game as a true freshman last season. But most importantly, while the Trojans will go back to the lab and continue to improve under Coach Peay's leadership, their resolve and gumption give Trinity fans plenty to be excited about. This is a team that isn't afraid of anyone.

The Trojans (0-2) will look to claim their first victory of the young season when they travel to Livonia, Michigan, on November 4th to take on Madonna University in their final primer before the conference schedule gets underway.
 

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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.