Dec. 6, 2007

SAULT STE. MARIE - Jackie Armstrong scored a season-high 19 points to lead four Lakers in double figures, but visiting Gannon made the most of second-chance points and Lake Superior State turnovers to win Thursday's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game, 86-72.

Post player Kim Vargas totaled 25 points and nine rebounds, and forward Kristina Freeman added 20 points and six rebounds to lead Gannon (6-2 overall, 2-1 GLIAC). Five players scored in double figures for the Lady Knights, who out-scored LSSU 20-8 on turnovers and 15-8 on put-backs.

Armstrong went to the basket aggressively and drew several fouls against a physical Gannon post defense. She finished 5-for-8 from the field and 9-for-14 at the line. Emily Joseph followed with 14 points for LSSU, while Shalyn Beauchamp had 13 and Alyssa Vanderwal 10.

Guards Joseph and Beauchamp led the Lakers in rebounds with seven each, and centers VanderWal and Danielle Makins added six each.

Gannon, the defending GLIAC South Division champion, led 37-30 at halftime and built a 16-point command in the second half. Armstrong had a field goal and two free throws, and Shelle Rochon came off the bench and hit a three-pointer during a 9-1 run that enabled LSSU to trim a 14-point deficit to six points, 78-72, but the Lakers didn't score during the final 1:54.

Gannon shot 48.3 percent from the field and made 23-of-31 free throws. The Lady Knights had a 39-38 rebounding edge. LSSU shot 41.9 percent from the field and made 15-of-21 free throws.

LSSU continues its homestand at 1 p.m. Saturday against Mercyhurst.