Sydney Taylor was recruited by UMass to eventually replace Hailey Leidel.
As a freshman last season, Taylor saw limited action off the bench for the Minutewomen, averaging about 6 minutes per game. But she had a front-row seat for Leidel’s final season in a historic career.
Taylor tried on Leidel’s shoes for the first time on Wednesday and found they fit. She shot 9 of 14 from the floor and 5 of 8 from 3-point range to finish with 24 points as the Minutewomen raced past Bryant, 82-54, in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
“I was definitely nervous in the beginning because those are some big shoes, one of the best players to ever play at UMass right there,” Taylor said. “I knew that I just had to be confident and be myself and shots will come.”
UMass coach Tory Verdi was pleased with Taylor, who more than doubled her career high of 11 points.
“She did everything that I knew she could do,” Verdi said. “I knew that she was capable of these things. I just think that there was a maturation process and she needed to have a sense of urgency. From the summer and coming back she has been our most consistent worker and she worked her tail off. She put herself in position to do many great things and she showed that here tonight.”
UMass got its first taste of the protocols that are in place for game days; players were spread out in chairs and wearing masks on the sidelines. Despite the different environment, the Minutewomen jumped out quickly in their season opener. They led 23-11 after the first quarter and 49-20 at halftime behind a suffocating defense and blistering shooting. The Minutewomen were 7 of 11 from 3-point range and forced 17 turnovers in the first half.
“For us to play the way we did and to win by close to 30 points just speaks volumes to our kids and the work they put forth,” Verdi said. “I’m just really proud of our effort they put in today.”
Sam Breen finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. She shot 9 of 18 from the floor. Maddie Sims made her debut for the Minutewomen and added 13 points and six rebounds. She was 6 of 10 from the floor. Sims sat out last season after transferring from Siena.
“It was great. I couldn’t wait for Maddie to get on the court last year,” Taylor said. “In practice she’s always dominating. She’s a great finisher around the rim, has a great pump fake, blow by. Her and Sam together are great bigs. I think it’s been a long time coming.”
Destiney Philoxy finished with eight points, eight assists and three steals for UMass. Freshman point guard Ber’Nyah Mayo made her first career start and had six points, six steals and six assists.
Madison Lowery came off the bench and was 3-for-3 from deep to finish with nine points.
“I loved their energy right from the start,” Verdi said. “Hopefully, this gives us a little confidence and we’re able to do some really positive things come Sunday.”
UMass plays at Boston College at 2 p.m. Sunday.
“I think we have to do a better job of valuing the ball, limiting turnovers,” Verdi said. “I thought that in the second half, I think because the lead ballooned, we kind of got out of what we do and then we started rushing some shots, taking quick shots, taking bad shots, taking shots out of offense. Those are some of things we got to clean up. We have to stay in offense and do a better job of executing.”
UMass played without sophomore center Maeve Donnelly, who is in concussion protocols following a hit in practice this week.
Mike Moran can be reached at mmoran@gazettenet.com. Follow on Twitter @mikemoranDHG.