The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the Terra State Titans today in OCCAC action and came away with a decisive 81-50 victory. In the first quarter, Monetta Hilory put the Lakers on the board with an old-fashioned 3-pointer as she hit the basket and a free throw for the Lakers. Following a Titan free throw, Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz drained a 3 pointer. Terra would then turn the ball over before Nitzy Rios hit a turnaround jumper in the lane and the Lakers were up 8-1 just over 2 minutes into the game. Following a Terra timeout, the Lakers began to struggle. Lakeland was consistently whistled for overly aggressive fouls for the rest of the period allowing the Titans to close the gap. The Lakers finished the period leading 15-13. In the second quarter, the teams traded baskets early before Hitt-Swartz connected on another 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 24-19 lead. Following a Titan turnover, Hilory connected on a deep 2-pointer for a 26-19 lead. After a Titan basket, Kiara Smith would drive the lane and score putting the Lakers up 28-21. Da'Vionna Singleton would connect on 1-2 free throws helping send the Lakers into the break with a 29-24 lead.
The 3rd quarter was the pivotal quarter as the Lakers shot extremely well to close out the period. The quarter started with Kiara Smith connecting on a 3-pointer for a 32-24 advantage. The Titans would then miss a shot and Monetta Hilory would hit a driving layup. Later, Monica Devine was fouled and sank 1-2 free throws before Hilory drained another Laker 3-pointer for a 38-24 Laker lead. The Lakers would miss a few shots and continue to get whistled for fouls allowing the Titans one last chance as they cut the Laker lead to 40-31. Smith then answered with a 3-pointer for a 43-31 lead. After the Titans hit a free throw, the Lakers would try to use most of the shot clock. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz would then drain another 3-pointer for a 46-32 lead as the shot clock ran out. The Lakers would then force a turnover before Da'Vionna Singleton connected on a 3-pointer. Following a Titan basket, Hilory would drive the lane and kick to Kiara Smith who closed the period with another Laker 3-pointer and a commanding 52-34 lead. From there, the Lakers cruised through the 4th quarter and to the victory.
Lakeland finished with 4 players in double digits. Monetta Hilory led all scorers with 22 points while Kiara Smith picked up 20 points for the Lakers. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz finished her afternoon with 18 points while Da'Vionna Singleton added 10 points in the win. Nitzy Rios recorded 8 points while Monica Devine chipped in 3 points for the Lakers.
Gardy's Gab: "We've been struggling a little bit for a couple of weeks so it was nice to come out today and get it done. We played unselfish - we made the extra passes and that helped us shoot the ball well. Monetta (Hilory) had her best game as a freshman - she definitely took a couple of steps forward today. Overall, I was pleased with the entire teams effort - we'll keep working to get better."
Next Up: The Lakers will travel to Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY to face the Kats in non-league action on Tuesday (12/17). Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm.
