Murphy Reaches 1,000-Point Milestone in Grace Victory Over Taylor

WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's women's basketball picked up an impressive 89-68 win over Taylor on Wednesday night.

The Lancers (10-13, 3-10 Crossroads League) were propelled by Peyton Murphy who had a memorable night. The senior forward produced a monster stat line of 20 points, 18 rebounds 6 assists, 4 steals and two blocks. She also reached a career milestone, becoming the 24th player in program history to eclipse 1,000 career points.

Murphy wasted little time in scoring the four points she needed to surpass the 1,000 points mark, but it was the Trojans (6-17, 1-12 CL) who led 12-6 at the midpoint of the quarter.

Grace dominated the remainder of the quarter however, as they caught fire from the floor.

Kensie Ryman, Morganne Houk and Sophia Morrison all hit 3-point field goals which sparked a 16-0 run for the Lancers. Murphy ended the run with consecutive scores as Grace took a 21-14 lead into the quarter break.

The Trojans started the second quarter with a trifecta but Ryman answered back with one of her own as Grace continued to enjoy an impressive shooting night.

Maddy Poynter added a pair from the charity stripe and scored a mid range jumper to push the Lancers lead to double digits.

Morrison and Poynter connected on back-to-back 3-point shots to extend their lead. Becca Gerdt ended the half with a mid range jumper at the buzzer to give Grace a 46-28 lead at the half.

Grace shot 53 percent in the first half and connected on 6-11 shots from beyond the arc. Murphy had 10 points and 13 rebounds at the half.

Morrison continued what proved to be a career day for her scoring wise, as she scored three points early in the second half to push Grace's lead over 20 points.

The Lancers shot 60 percent in the frame and added nine more points from the line en route to a 23 point quarter.

Ryman had her fourth trifecta of the game and Poynter went coast-to-coast to push Grace's lead to 27 which would be the biggest of the game.

The Lancers continued to enjoy a 20 point lead throughout the fourth quarter before ultimately winning 89-68.

"This team is so resilient," said Grace head coach Dan Davis. "They have had a lot of people doubt them but they responded with a great effort on the floor tonight. We know what we are capable of as a team and with a lot of season left we know our best basketball is ahead of us."

The Lancers finished the game shooting 52 percent from the field and hit on 11-19 shots from range. Poynter led all players with 21 points which was also her career high. Ryman had 15 points and Gerdt scored 14 points and six rebounds.

Grace will be back in action on Saturday for a road contest against Goshen.