The Lakeland women's basketball team traveled to Monroe Community College today and dropped a 65-50 non-league decision to the Tribunes. Early in the first quarter, the Lakers and Tribunes went back-and-forth as both teams tried to take control. Lakeland used made free throws from Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz and Trinity Jackson before a big 3-pointer from Jackson to knot the game at 7. After a Tribune basket, Monetta Hilory scored on a layup to again tie the score 4 minutes into the quarter. For the rest of the quarter, the Tribunes took advantage of a few missed Laker shots and turnovers to grow their lead to 24-14. The teams again traded baskets for most of the second quarter and the Tribunes went into the break leading 40-26.

In the 3rd quarter, the Tribunes grew their lead to 16 points before the Lakers finished strong to win the quarter 11-9. During the Lakers run, Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz started by again connecting on a pair of free throws. After a Tribune basket, Trinity Jackson hit a jumpshot. Following a Tribune missed shot, Monica Devine scored on a jumpshot to bring the Lakers within 12 points at 49-37 to end the quarter. From there, the Lakers were unable to close the gap as the teams again traded baskets for the rest of the game.

Trinity Jackson led the Lakers by recording a double-double and finishing with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Monica Devine had a strong game with 11 points and 9 rebounds while Monetta Hilory picked up 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz finished with 9 points and 2 assists while Nitzy Rios added 3 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Laker loss. As a team, the Lakers shot a perfect 11-11 from the free throw line.

Next Up: The Lakers jump back into OCCAC action on Wednesday (2/5) when they travel to Cuyahoga Metro to play the Triceratops. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm.