Westgate Records Double-Double as Trojans Lose to No. 20 Olivet Nazarene
MISHAWAKA, Ind. – In a competitive match-up between two Top-25 teams, No. 25 Taylor lost its first game of the season to No. 20 Olivet Nazarene (1-0) by a score of 89-79. Nonetheless, sophomore, Taylor Westgate, put in a tremendous effort, collecting her first double-double of the year while posting 13 points and 12 boards.
The Trojans got off to a fast start, taking an early 7-2 lead, before the Tigers quickly drew even and eventually went up 23-20 with a late three-pointer to end the first quarter.
Taylor shot at a solid clip in the opening frame, maintaining a 44 percent mark from the floor and 40 percent from three. Kayla Kirtley led the Trojan attack, scoring nine points while shooting 80 percent.
Toward the end of the second quarter, Olivet Nazarene was looking to head into half with a significant 14-point lead, however, a late surge by the Trojans cut the lead to seven.
Merideth Deckard led the way by knocking in two big three’s, while Ava Henson contributed five points of her own. Taylor struggled to maintain its efficiency from three, however, shooting just a 30 percent from deep in the second frame.
The Trojans went into the half down seven, and, unfortunately, they could not cut into the Tiger lead coming out of the half. Despite a solid 10 minutes from sophomore, Claycee West, who posted a career-high 22 points on Tuesday, Taylor finished the third quarter down 10.
Throughout the third frame, Lauren James and Ava Henson each collected four points from the free-throw line as the Trojans managed to cut the Tiger lead to three at one point. However, the momentum slipped back to Olivet Nazarene while the Tigers continually scored in answer to any attack the Trojans could throw their way.
Westgate had a monster fourth quarter, scoring eight points and securing seven rebounds on her way to a second-career double-double. Even so, Olivet Nazarene maintained its lead while the Trojans shot a mere 14.3 percent from three-point land, culminating in a 10-point victory over the Trojans.
Kayla Kirtley led the way for Taylor with 16 points, while Henson added 13 and West contributed 14 off the bench.
Throughout the game, Taylor struggled to outpace the Tiger offense as the Trojans were not efficient in their strong-suit, finishing the game with a 26.9 shooting percentage on 26 three-point shots taken.
Meanwhile, Taylor turned the ball over 30 times, making it difficult for the Trojans to maintain any of their hard-fought momentum.
Taylor (1-1) will have a chance to bounce back soon, however, as the Trojans take on Trinity Christian on Saturday, October 30 at 1:00 pm.
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