Stratman Leads Three-Point Barrage in No. 5 TU Triumph
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UPLAND, Ind. – Three-pointers came early and often for the No. 5 Trojans (24-3, 12-3 CL) on Wednesday night, as the host squad cruised to an 85-49 victory over Goshen (8-19, 1-14 CL). Senior Haley Stratman ignited the shooting spree, hitting five of Taylor’s 15 triples in the contest.
It did not take long for the Purple and Gold to find their stroke, as the team’s first seven makes of the game were all from beyond the arc. The quick offensive success gave TU an early 14-point lead, after the first quarter.
Taylor maintained its high efficiency in the second stanza, turning in 21 points on 52.9 percent shooting from the floor. The TU advantage ballooned to over 20 points, following a 12-0 run through a three and a half minute stretch.
Three-point shooting returned in full force for TU in the third period. The Trojans shot 50.0 percent from downtown, netting a total of five in the quarter. On the night, TU hit 15-of-36 three-pointers, converting at a remarkable 41.7 percent clip.
The Trojans reached their largest lead of 38 points in the fourth quarter, before claiming the 85-49 triumph. The 36-point victory marked the 26th-consecutive win for TU inside Odle Arena.
Haley Stratman put together a standout performance on Wednesday, collecting a career-high 21 points and five three-pointers. In addition, Stratman contributed five rebounds, one steal and one assist to round out a spectacular night.
TU was suffocating on the defensive end, holding Goshen to a mere 18 field goals on 28.6 percent shooting. The rebounding numbers also reflected Taylor’s strong and aggressive play, as the squad outrebounded GC, 48-36.
Leading the team in assists and reaching double figures, Jamie Netzley provided big minutes in the win. The senior guard notched 16 points and a career-high four treys, while dishing out six assists.
Also posting 16 points, Merideth Deckard made an impact off the bench, going two-for-two from long range with four assists. On the boards, Abby Buchs paced the squad with 10 rebounds, marking her fourth such effort this season.
The TU squad will head to Mount Vernon Nazarene (16-11, 6-9 CL) for its next contest, battling the Cougars on Saturday at 1:00 pm