The Lakeland women's basketball team opened their season on the road by traveling to Jamestown Community College tonight to face the Jayhawks. The road was not kind to the Lakers as they ended on the short end of a 68-59 decision. The Lakers were good from the floor in the first quarter as Mya James led the way scoring 6 points. Arion Brown added 5 points while Monica Devine and Lauren Perry each added 3 points. Despite shooting 3-8 from the free throw line, the Lakers held a 23-13 advantage at the end of the quarter. Unfortunately for Lakeland, their defensive rotations were a bit slow throughout and as the Lakers shooting went cold in the second quarter, the Jayhawks fought back. Lakeland held a slim 33-32 lead at the half. In the second half, the Lakers just did not have the energy needed and so were unable to sustain any offensive runs. The Jayhawks overcame the Lakers as they took advantage of some defensive lapses and poor free throw shooting.

Mya James led the way for the Lakers with 17 points while Lauren Perry finished her night with 16 points. Batoul Khaleefah and Arion Brown each scored 6 points while Carly James added 5 points for the Lakers. Hilda Ismail and Monica Devine each pitched in 3 points in the Laker defeat. As a team, Lakeland shot just 9-25 from the free throw line.

Gardy's Gab: "We just didn't have enough energy throughout the entire lineup. We need to be better prepared and I take responsibility for that. Our defense was a step behind on several plays and we just didn't hold up in the end.  We'll get back at it in practice over the next couple of days  - we have a long trip against a good opponent this weekend."

Next Up: The Lakers travel to Oakland Community College in Michigan on Saturday to face the Raiders. Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.