Gallagher, Taylor pace Storm in 80-72 win over Loras

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Ellen Gallagher and Jenna Taylor scored 15 points apiece, both career highs, and the Simpson women's basketball team led from wire-to-wire in an 80-72 win over Loras on Saturday at Cowles Fieldhouse.

Noreen Morrow added 14 points and eight rebounds and Victoria Hazard filled the stat sheet with six assists and five rebounds for the Storm (10-4, 4-1 Iowa Conference), who won their third straight game.

Gallagher made the go-ahead layup with 4:55 left in the third, giving Simpson a 49-47. Janey Botkins followed with a 3, one of her three in the second half. Botkins made another 3 to give Simpson a 59-54 lead and Simpson built a 12-point lead early in the fourth thanks to a 9-0 run capped by a Taylor layup.

A three-point play by Cyerra Hutchins pulled Loras within 75-70 with 2:12 left, by Hazard responded with a jumper to all-but secure the win. 

Addie Oberman and Marissa Schroeder scored 11 points apiece to lead the Duhawks (9-5, 1-4), who saw a six-game winning streak come to a close.

Simpson started the game on fire, hitting its first four 3-pointers, getting two from Taylor and one each from Maddie Simmons and Claire Johnson. The Storm pulled away late in the first half thanks to a 14-4 run, building a 10-point lead before taking a 43-38 lead into the break.

Key Players
Ellen Gallagher — 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Jenna Taylor — 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Noreen Morrow — 14 points, 8 rebounds
Victoria Hazard — 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Janey Botkins — 9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists

Up Next
Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Coe