The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to Hocking College on Saturday and came away with a convincing 72-50 victory over the Hawks. With the win, Lakeland's record improves to 7-1 overall and 1-0 in the OCCAC. In the first quarter, the Lakers came out with high energy and just overwhelmed the Hawks as they finished the quarter with a 21-7 advantage. Zion Fussell led the way picking up 6 points in the 1st quarter while both Gianna Pegoraro and Madison Fueger each scored 5 points in the opening frame. Lakeland would maintain that cushion the entire 2nd quarter and would go into the break with 35-21 lead.
The third quarter was a quarter of quick runs. The Lakers would score the first 5 points of the quarter to push their lead to 19 points after a Madison Fueger 3 pointer. The Hawks would cut the lead to 40-28 before Gianna Pegorarro made a hustle steal from behind that ultimately led to a Fueger layup. Hocking would then cut the lead back to 11 at 42-31 before Zion Fussell would connect on a jumper. On the next possession, Lakeland would execute a quick press and get a steal that Makayla Gordon finished with a layup. The Hawks would then take advantage of some missed shots and turnovers to trim their deficit to 8 points. After a Lakeland turnover, Delaney Sullivan would collect a steal and drive to the basket for a layup to push the lead back to 10 at 51-41. Late in the 3rd quarter, Makayla Gordon was fouled and connected on both free throws to give the Lakers a 53-41 lead at the end of three quarters. Lakeland started the 4th quarter quickly as Zion Fussell started thing with a driving layup. After a Hawks bucket, Madison Fueger would collect an offensive rebound and a basket. Hocking would later pick-up a bench technical and Makayla Gordon would sink both free throws. Sullivan would later add another layup to push the Lakers lead to 17 at 61-44. From there, the Lakers coasted to the victory. The Lakers final points of the game were scored by Micaha Marbury as she drove the baseline to cap off the offense for the Lakers.
Madison Fueger finished as the high scorer for the Lakers with 19 points in the game. Zion Fussell scored 17 points for the Lakers while Gianna Pegoraro added 11 points in the win. Delaney Sullivan finished the game with 8 points for the Lakers.
Gardy's Gab: "We came out with a lot of energy and some good effort. We did lose our rythm for a little bit in the 3rd quarter, but were quickly able to get back into it. This was a good league win for us - it's good to get the first one. It was a good rebound effort after a tough loss the other night. We have another important league contest on Wednesday so we'll get back at it here soon."
Next Up: On Wednesday (12/7), the Lakers will play host to the Terra State Tartans. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm in Laker Gym.
