Women's basketball annihalates Toledo to start season

Troy’s women's basketball team kicked off its season the right way with a huge 88-51 victory over Toledo at home on Monday night in Trojan Arena. This huge win ended a two-game losing streak in season openersfor the Trojans. 

“In the locker room before the game, we talked about how important it was to start great,” said head coach Chanda Rigby to Troy Athletics. “We really worked for a great start and got it. 

Brady Fitch photo

Emani Jenkins celebrates against Toledo.

“It’s just so nice to start with a win. That’s your foundation. And if you can build on a foundation that strong, you can build it as high as you want.” 

The starting lineup for the Trojans put on a masterclass, scoring all but 13 of the team’s points on Monday. Emani Jenkins led the offensive effort with a team high 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, getting many of those points from behind the arc.  

The team’s balanced scoring and good ball movement led to all the starters scoring in double figures. 

Forward Fortuna Ngnawo was a key player on both sides of the ball on Monday, finishing with a monster 17 points and a career-high four blocks. Ngnawo became only the second active Trojan to achieve this defensive feat, which shows just how much defense seems to be a priority this season.  

Strong performances by Ngnawo and Rachel Leggett, who scored in double figures in her first career start as a Trojan, set a high standard not only for the team, but for this season as a whole. 

All-Sun Belt First Team player Zay Dyer also had an amazing game on Monday, scoring a solid 16 points in the season opener. Her steady and consistent production has been instrumental for Troy the past few seasons, and it doesn’t seem she’s letting up now. Her rebounding intensity is one of a kind, helping Troy maintain its title as the nation's rebounds leader. 

This game was fundamentally decided in the second quarter where the Trojans overwhelmed Toledo. Troy went on a huge 14-0 run, with Ashley Baez scoring six straight points and multiple fastbreak buckets,which just made the lead insurmountable. The team shot 75% from the field in the quarter, making six 3-pointers to go into halftime with a huge 52-33 lead. 

While the offense was nothing to scoff at, the Trojans defensive presence wa absolutely phenomenal. The ferocious way Troy played defense silenced the Rockets shooting, holding Toledo to no made goals in the fourth on 10 attempts. 

 Toledo only managed to score two points in the final 10 minutes of the game off free throws. Troy also forced 28 turnovers in the game to hold Toledo in check. 

The Trojans continue their season at home with a game against Mississippi Valley State on Thursday afternoon. Tipoff is at noon, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.