The Lakeland women's basketball team hosted the Owens Express today and were able to sweep the season series following a 67-56 victory in Laker gym. With the win, the Lakers improved to 7-5 in OCCAC action and 11-10 overall. In the 1st quarter, the Lakers jumped out to a 9-2 lead on the strength of a pair of Monica Devine baskets, a Monetta Hilory basket, and a Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz 3-pointer. The Express would take advantage of Lakeland fouls to work their way back into the game at the free throw line. The 1st period ended with the Lakers holding a 18-15 lead. In the 2nd quarter, the teams would trade baskets early before the Express again took advantage of Laker fouls to knot the score at 28. Hilory would then sink a 15' jumper to give the Lakers the lead. On the next possession, Nitzy Rios would steal the ball and Trinity Jackson converted a step back jumper. The Express would convert on their last possession as the teams went into the break with the Lakers leading 32-30.   

In the 3rd quarter, the teams would again trade baskets early. With the score tied at 35, the Express hit a 3-pointer to take a 38-35 lead. On Lakeland's next possession, Nitzy Rios hit a 3-pointer from the corner to tie the game again at 38 with 6 minutes to play in the period. Later, the Lakers would foul and the Express would hit 1-2 free throws to retake the lead. Monetta Hilory was then fouled and connected on both free throws as the Lakers retook the lead at 40-39. The Express answered with a 2 consequtive baskets as they took advantage of a Laker turnover. Rios again answered with another 3-pointer to tie the game again at 43 with 2:13 to play in the quarter. Following an Express turnover, Monica Devine was fouled on a drive. Devine stepped to the line and sank both free throws to put the Lakers up 45-43. Lakeland would then steal the ball and Monetta Hilory connected on a pullup jumper. Trinity Jackson then stole the ball and went end-to-end for a layup and a 49-43 Laker lead. The Express converted on their last possession as the Lakers held a 49-45 lead after three quarters. To start the 4th quarter, Trinity Jackson was fouled and sank both free throws. The Express took advantage of a Laker foul and scored the next 4 points to cut their deficit to 51-49. Trinity Jackson then hit a baseline jumper to increase the Lakers lead to 53-49. On the next Express possession, Monica Devine stole the ball before Monetta Hilory was fouled while shooting. Hilory sank both free throws to give Lakeland a 55-49 lead. The Express then connected on a 3-point shot before Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz answered with a 3-pointer to push the Laker lead back to 6 points at 58-52. Devine then stole the ball again and scored a layup for a 60-52 advantage. Trinity Jackson would then steal the ball and make a driving layup to give Lakeland a 10 point, 62-52 lead, with 5 minutes to play. From there, the Lakers cruised to the final victory.

Lakeland had a balanced scoring attack with 3 players finishing in double digits. Trinity Jackson led Lakeland with 24 points while Monetta Hilory finished her evening with 14 points. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz added 13 points while Monica Devine recorded 9 points for the Lakers. Nitzy Rios chipped in 7 points in the Lakeland win.

AC Smith's Sentiments: "We were able to start the game with a lot of energy and were pretty efficient on offense. That style of play continued into the second half which was the key. We're really proud of the team as they worked hard the entire game - especially with the quick turn-around. Everyone really contributed and it was a nice team win."

Next Up: The Lakers will face the Hocking Hawks in their final home game of the season on Saturday (2/22) in Laker Gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.