Nov. 28, 2007

MIDLAND - A Northwood women's basketball team that is off to one of its best starts in recent years defeated Lake Superior State, 81-66, Wednesday in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

LSSU (2-3 overall, 0-1 GLIAC) trimmed a double-figure deficit to four points midway through the second half. After a Shalyn Beauchamp three-pointer, it was 62-58 with 6:37 remaining. The Timberwolves (4-1 overall, 1-0 GLIAC) responded with a 9-0 run and eventually built a 15-point lead with three minutes to go.

Northwood shot 45.5 percent from the field and made 24-of-35 free throws. The Timberwolves dominated the boards, 45-26. Megan Starnes led NU with 24 points.

Jackie Armstrong scored 16 points, and Emily Joseph added 15 to lead Lake Superior State. Beauchamp finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Lakers shot 40.7 percent from the field and made 13-of-15 free throws.

LSSU plays host to defending GLIAC North Division champion Grand Valley State in its home opener at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.