Nov. 23, 2007

BIG RAPIDS - The Lake Superior State women's basketball team improved to 2-1 against Great Lakes Valley Conference opponents after beating Kentucky Wesleyan 54-48 on Friday at Ferris State University.

The Lakers led throughout the game, but had to withstand several comeback threats by UKW (1-1). After they stormed to a 28-12 lead during first 14 minutes of play, Kentucky Wesleyan cut the lead to three points, 30-27, by halftime.

LSSU stretched the lead to 13 points, 48-35, with seven minutes remaining in the second half. UKW once again had chances to close in as the Lakers committed six turnovers during a six-minute stretch, but junior center Alyssa VanderWal blocked four shots during that span to stop their momentum. She finished the game with five points, six rebounds and six blocked shots.

Katherine LaPrairie

Lake Superior State's defense held UKW to 26.6 percent shooting from the field. Although freshman Katherine LaPrairie was the only Laker in double figures with 11 points, she was 3-for-3 from behind the arc and LSSU shot 41.3 percent from the field. Both teams struggled at the free-throw line as LSSU was 11-for-18 and UKW finished 8-for-15.

Emily Joseph added seven points, and Annie Dykhouse and Nicole Marshall had six each for LSSU. Jackie Armstrong and Danielle Makins also had six rebounds each.

Kentucky Wesleyan out-rebounded LSSU, 43-28. The Lakers totaled 18 rebounds, while UKW had 16.

LSSU plays Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at 4 p.m. Saturday in FSU's Wink Arena.