FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Saturday afternoon, the University of Saint Francis Lady Cougars (17-8; 11-5 Crossroads) played host to the Taylor University Trojans (14-12; 8-6 Crossroads) at Hutzell Athletic Center in the regular season finale and celebrated their Senior Day by winning their sixth straight game 63-56.

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As the game got started, both teams missed their first couple of shots as the first minute saw no scoring. Then the Lady Cougars scored the first basket of the game, but then the Trojans went on to score 10 unanswered points to go ahead 10-2 before Saint Francis had to call a timeout.

The deficit grew to 11 points, but then the Lady Cougars got back in the game scoring six unanswered points to now trail by just five, and after the first quarter were down 16-9 after going just 1-for-6 from beyond the three-point line.

But then in the second half, the Lady Cougars caught back up, making key stops and getting steals on defense, while creating one scoring drive after another throughout the frame.

With under three minutes to play in the first half, a jump shot by freshman guard Emily Parrett put the Lady Cougars ahead 22-21, and both teams exchanged blows through the last few minutes. By the time the game reached halftime, Saint Francis still trailed but only 27-24.

During the first half, the Lady Cougars shot just 16 percent from beyond the arc but held the Trojans to a shooting percentage of just 31 themselves.

Heading into the second half, both teams continued their back-and-forth battle with neither side able to gain an edge.

Then with the Lady Cougars trailing 34-29, they went on a 6-0 run to surge back ahead 35-34 capped by a jumper by junior guard Cassidy Crawford. For the remainder of the third quarter, Saint Francis held on to their lead, and had a four-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Despite the Trojans staying strong and keeping up with Saint Francis, the Lady Cougars answered them each time. Down to the final minute, the score was 58-54 in favor of the Lady Cougars, and they forced consecutive stops for the Trojans on defense, made the free throws they needed to make, and held on for the win.

Throughout the game, the Lady Cougars shot 38 percent from the floor, 24 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 62 percent from the free throw line. Emily Parrett led the team in scoring with 16 points and in rebounds with 13 for her first double-double of the season. Chloe McKnight followed with 15 points and four rebounds of her own.

The Lady Cougars will now await their opponent and start time of the first round of the Crossroads League Tournament. Stay updated through Saintfranciscougars.com.