BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The calendar flipped to 2021, but some things didn't seem to change. When the Trinity Christian College women's basketball team took the court on Saturday, Jan. 2 against Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.), there was still the eerie feeling of playing in an empty arena. The quiet environment didn't seem to bother Gabby Kreykes, however, as she scored a season-high 30 points to lead Trolls.

The Tigers took a 44-30 lead into the break, but the Trolls came out of the locker room on fire and were able to tie the contest at 54 with just over two minutes to play in the third quarter. Kreykes was nearly unstoppable in the period, pouring in 15 points. Nevertheless, the second half comeback fell short as the Tigers outlasted the Trolls in the physical, fast-paced matchup, 90-79.

Kreykes finished the day shooting an impressive 11-of-19 from the field, including three from behind the arc. She also connected on 5-of-7 free throws and pulled in 10 rebounds. Abby Coates added 19 points (8-of-11, FG; 3-of-3, FT), seven rebounds, and two blocks. Jasmine Elliott finished with a team-leading 11 rebounds, including seven on the defensive end of the court. She also added 10 points, four assists and three steals.

Trinity Christian will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 6 hosting the No. 12 ranked Fighting Saints of the University of St. Francis (Ill.). The Saints will come to DeVos Gymnasium with a 9-1 record, having won seven in-a-row. Last season, the Trolls fell in both match ups with St. Francis, 84-71 and 86-41.