The Lakeland women's basketball team, currently ranked 18th in the country in NJCAA DII basketball, traveled to Cuyahoga Community College and completed the season sweep with a dominating 57-33 victory. With the win, the Lakers improve to 20-2 overall and 8-0 in conference play. Both teams got off to a high energy start before the Lakers started to pull away in the first quarter. In a balanced effort, six different players scored for Lakeland in the first quarter. Madison Fueger and Lauren Perry each scored 4 points while Zion Fussell connected with a 3-pointer. Alesia Marshall and Makayla Gordon also scored a bucket and Gianna Pegoraro connected on a pair of free throws. The Lakers ended the period with a 17-10 kead. The Lakers continued to expand their lead in the second period. Lakeland played solid defense and continued to score as they went into the break with a 34-19 lead. To start the second half, the Lakers continued their strong defensive play as Perry had some key steals while Fueger took care of the inside play blocking several shots. Pegoraro also led the way offensively with a few driving layups. Lakeland held the Triceratops to just 3 points in the 3rd quarter - all on free throws as they ended the 3rd period with a 48-22 advantage. From there, Lakeland coasted to the victory.
Lakeland had four players finish in double digits. Gianna Pegoraro and Lauren Perry each finished with 14 points for the Lakers. Madison Fueger finished her night with 13 points while Zion Fussell added 12 points in the Laker victory.
Gardy's Gab: "We came out with some energy in the first quarter and Tri-C was able to match it early on. We continued to work hard and played good team defense. I was pleased with our total team effort. It was difficult - especially after having a full week off. We'll get back at it and work to get better in our next game."
Next Up: Hocking Community College has suspended their season and so the Lady Lakers will have another cancellation this weekend - their third cancellation in the last four regularly scheduled games. They will next play host to the Owens Express on Monday (2/20) in a 5:30 confererence matchup. This game will be a battle for first place in the OCCAC. The Lakers currently hold a 1 game lead over the Express as Lakeland defeated Owens in their previous match in Toledo. Sophomores will be recognized in a pregame ceremony.