Taylor women’s basketball appeared in the NAIA national tournament for the 10th time in school history, capping off a record-setting year for the Trojans.
The No. 12 Trojans fell to the No. 5 Georgetown Tigers in the first round of the tournament 83-58. The game was played on Georgetown’s home floor, where the Tigers hosted the opening rounds.
Taylor’s tournament experience began days before tipoff, when the team gathered at head coach Cassie Wiseman’s house to watch the selection show. After learning their matchup, the Trojans practiced with renewed intensity.
“We kind of had a new energy, because leading up to that week, we didn't really know if we were going to make it, and so after we found out we made it, I think we kind of flipped a switch in our minds,” senior forward Kendall Sietsema said. “It was almost like the beginning of the season again.”
Georgetown opened the game on a 12-0 run that saw the Trojans turn the ball over four times in the first six minutes. Taylor continued to struggle throughout the first quarter, trailing by as much as 18, before battling in the second. The Trojans allowed just 15 points in the second quarter after giving up 25 in the first.
Sophomore forward Celina Blount and freshman guard Marissa Trout combined for three blocks, and Taylor trailed by 13 at the break.
Taylor began the second half on a quick 4-0 run, cutting the deficit to nine points. They failed to get closer as Georgetown pulled away, ultimately claiming the win. Freshman guard Kaycie Warfel paced the Trojans with 20 points, while fellow freshman guard Madi Allen added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Wiseman said the team has much to be proud of.
“Super proud of the entire team. We are on a banner in Odle Arena now for making the national tournament,” Wiseman said. “And so that, I think, is huge.”
For the Taylor squad, the game marked the end of an era. The Trojans will bid goodbye to their two seniors, Quinn Kelly and Kendall Sietsema. Kelly appeared in 104 games with 51 starts in her four-year Taylor career, scoring over 500 total points. Sietsema spent her freshman season at Hope College and, after transferring and sitting out her sophomore season, played 38 total games.
Beyond their on-court success, teammates will remember the seniors for their leadership off the floor.
“They were just the best leaders and role models. I want to be able to lead like them one day, not just on the basketball court, but spiritually as well,” said Trout. “Kendall would always pray for us. Quinn would always use her voice on the court, more so in practices, being more uplifting that way.”
The seniors experienced highs and lows during their time in Upland. After two straight losing seasons, Taylor blazed out to a 14-0 start this year. The 10-win swing this season was one of only six in the NAIA, resulting in Taylor’s qualification for its first NAIA tournament bid since 2020.
Sietsema knows, however, that her time on the court was bigger than basketball.
“I can't even put into words how cool it is to look back, and it’s just such a testament to all that the Lord has done in my life,” said Sietsema.
As Taylor turns to the offseason, Wiseman said the team will focus on getting into the weight room after a well-deserved rest. With four of five starters set to return, the Trojans are well-positioned to build on this season’s success in years to come.
