The Opening Drive: Week 11

Welcome to “The Opening Drive!” This is where we take a look at some of the big Grant County sports stories from the past week.  I’m Tim Decker.

After a couple of crazy weeks for the IWU and Taylor volleyball teams, both the Trojans and the Wildcats will be representing the Mid-Central College Conference and Grant County in the N-A-I-A National Volleyball Championship Tournament.  Better yet, each team is hosting an opening round match-up tomorrow.  The Taylor Trojans will host Lindsey Wilson out of Kentucky Saturday at 6:30 pm in Upland.  Taylor is making its 7^th appearance in the national tournament and is 29-and-7 on the year.  The 2011 M-C-C Tournament Champion Wildcats are hosting Montreat out of North Carolina at 7 pm in Luckey Arena.  IWU is making only its 2^nd appearance in the tournament after an impressive 34-and-4 year.  If IWU or Taylor wins, then they would make an official trip to Sioux City, Iowa for the full National Tournament which starts November 29^th.

In women’s college basketball, the Taylor Trojans put together one of its most complete games in recent year when the team defeated Midway, 92 to 45.  Defense stood at the top as the Trojans forced 35 turnovers, racked up 23 steals and held Midway to just 35 percent shooting for the game.  The offense couldn’t be stopped as Taylor shot 60 percent from 3-point range in the first half to accumulate a 53 to 17 halftime lead.  The Chronicle-Tribune is reporting that all but one Taylor Trojan scored in the team’s blowout victory.  Coach Tina Krause’s team will host Purdue-Calumet at 7 pm tonight in Odle Arena as Taylor looks to start the season 5-0.

The high school boys basketball season is right around the corner and the Marion Giants are looking to reclaim some of its glory days after a disappointing 8-and-12 season last year.  First year coach Billy Shepherd got a good idea of what the team can and can’t do at the team’s open scrimmage against Tindley held at the Grant County YMCA on Wednesday.  The biggest area of concern may be the offense as the Giants only scored 53 points in 60 minutes of play.  The Giants regular season opens at home November 23^rd … which is this coming Wednesday…when the team plays Irvington Prep.

That does it for our opening drive segment this week.  Remember to listen for the “Fortress Sports Update” each week to keep you updated on the local sporting events happening in Grant County.