The Lakeland women's basketball team traveled to Clark State today to face the Eagles in OCCAC action. The Lakers used a strong 1st and 4th quarter to earn a 70-61 win on sophomore day. With the win, Lakeland improved to 8-6 in OCCAC play and 12-11 overall. Lakeland's opening quarter featured a very balanced attack as four players scored at least 5 points as the Lakers took a 25-18 lead. The second quarter saw the Lakers struggle offensively as the Eagles closed the gap to 2 points at the break, trailing 30-28. In the 3rd quarter the teams battled back and forth as neither team was able to take control. The 3rd quarter ended with the Lakers trailing 49-48. Lakeland refused to let this final league game go as Monetta Hilory, Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz, and Monica Devine had strong offensive quarters allowing the Lakers to run away with the win.
Stats were not available at time of print.
This game featured 4 players in double digits for the Lakers as Trinity Jackson led the way with 19 points. Monica Devine finished her afternoon with 17 points while Monetta Hilory added 15 points for the Lakers. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz picked up 10 points while Nitzy Rios added 9 points in the Lakers win.
Smith's Sentiments: "We're pleased with the overall team effort the team gave today to get the win. It was a good way to end the regular season. Credit Clark State as they battled on sophomore day. We will now get back to work as we have a very good challenge (Jackson) coming up in Districts this week."
Next Up: The Lakers have clinched a play-off spot in the semi-finals of the District C Men's Basketball Tournament. The tournament is hosted by Mott Community College in Flint, MI. On Friday (3/7), the Lakers will face off against the Jackson Jets as the #3 seed. The second seeded Jets are currently ranked 16th in the country according to the latest NJCAA poll. The Lakers play at 11:00 am. If they win on Thursday, the Lakers would face the winner of Mid-Michigan College (currently ranked 11th nationally) and the Michigan West #3/#4 winner on Sunday (3/9) at 11:00 am. The winner of this game earns a trip to Nationals.