SANBORN, N.Y. – Lakeland Community College women's basketball handled the pressure defense and pulled out a 78-71 victory to open the season against Niagara County Community College Wednesday evening.

The Lakers were led by Aryana Jackson with 20 points behind a 6-for-11 shooting performance behind the arc as Lakeland opened the season with a 1-0 record.

Armani Jackson earned a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds while Jayla Sanford reached double figures with 13 points and added seven rebounds. Delesha Jackson added 10 rebounds and five points as the Lakers outrebounded Niagara County 57-44 while losing out in the height competition.

Brianna Williams and Ziona Williams each had eight points in the win.

Niagara County did come out strong in the opening quarter and led 24-21 but the Lakers battled back in the second quarter to take a 38-37 lead at the break after outscoring Niagara County 17-13 in the second.

Each team scored 19 points in the third quarter as Lakeland held on to a slim 57-56 lead heading into the final quarter. The Lakers finally got some breathing room in the final quarter, outscoring Niagara County 21-15 to walk away with the seven-point victory.

Lakeland will next have its home opener on Friday, Nov. 3 against Erie Community College at 5:30 p.m.

For more information about Lakeland athletics, visit www.athletics.lakelandcc.edu.

About Lakeland Community College

Founded in 1967, Lakeland Community College was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to our mission, Lakeland provides quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community.

Offering day, evening, weekend and online classes, the college serves more than 10,800 credit and 2,800 noncredit students (2016). For more information about the College, visit www.lakelandcc.edu.