Pictured is Peyton Murphy driving in the second half against Taylor
Pictured is Peyton Murphy driving in the second half against Taylor
WINONA LAKE - Grace’s women’s basketball team picked up a 61-46 win over Taylor, during Wednesday's Crossroads League quarterfinal matchup.

Kiersten Findley led the way for Grace, as she went off for a career high 27 points in the victory.

The win was Grace’s 21st of the season, which sets a new program record for single season wins.

The Lady Lancers will now advance to the semifinals for a showdown with the Marian Knights. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The opening quarter was a defensive battle. Grace’s defense was stout, limiting Taylor to just two made field goals.

Grace opened up a 12-6 lead with two minutes left in the half, but the Lady Lancers did not score again.

The Trojans managed to generate points at the free throw line, putting in six free throws in the closing minutes to trim the gap to 12-10.

Taylor shot just 2 of 17 (12 percent) in the opening quarter; Grace was not much better, making just 33 percent of its tries. The teams combined to make just 1 of 13 from the 3-point line in the quarter.

Offense was easier to come by in the second quarter. The teams were even in the period with each side scoring 17 points. Taylor managed to pull ahead twice, but each time Grace had a response.

Findley and Peyton Murphy propelled Grace’s attack with a variety of strong drives. Findley finished with 14 points in the half, and Murphy added seven.

Grace took a slight 29-27 lead into halftime.

The Lady Lancers held Taylor to 25 percent shooting the half, which helped as Grace made only 36 percent from the floor.

Taylor gained an early lead in the third quarter as both defenses continued stifle each other's offense. Taylor and Grace combined for four made shots through the first 6:24 of the second half.

A mini 7-0 burst from the Lady Lancers momentarily gave Grace a six-point lead but the Trojans quickly responded, pulling back within a single point.

A late jumpshot from Findley sent Grace into the final frame with a 42-38 advantage.

Kaylee Patton started the final frame with a 3-point shot from the corner. Karlee Feldman followed up the trifecta with a layup that gave the Lady Lancers a nine-point lead.

After the Feldman score, Grace made just one shot over the next four-minutes without a made shot. During the stretch, the Trojans were able to cut the Lady Lancer’s lead down to just five points.

Findley once again had an answer for the Trojans offensive run with her second trifecta of the game.

Taylor was held to just one more point after the Findley 3-point shot as Grace iced the 61-46 win at the free-throw line.

“Toughness won tonight,” said Grace head coach Dan Davis. “Shots weren’t falling and things weren’t going our way, but these ladies never quit. They continued to rebound, continued to lock-in defensively and in the end they got the job done. We won this game as a team. I know it's just one game, but this is one that we are going to celebrate.”

Findley’s career scoring night included five rebounds and five assists. Murphy double-doubled with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Feldman grabbed 13 rebounds and Kaylee Patton chipped in nine points.