The Lake Superior State University Lady Lakers fell in their season opener to the Findlay Oilers 83-73 on Friday.
The Oilers were able to get out to the early lead in the opening quarter, but a pair of threes from Gracey Metz (Hartland, Mich.) helped the Lakers carve into the Findlay lead. Breah Golden (Arcadia, Wis.) then hit a jumper to close out the quarter with the Oilers leading 18-6.
The Oilers pushed back ahead early in the second quarter, but the Lakers answered with a 7-0 run. Both teams continued to battle for the remainder of the quarter with Findlay eventually taking a 34-27 lead into the halftime break.
Findlay struck first in the second half, but the Lakers fought back with a 13-2 run to get back to within five with multiple baskets from Bradford and Jaden Wilder (Manton, Mich.). However, the Oilers were able to climb back ahead, and despite a strong push from LSSU and multiple driving layups from Amanda Roach (Hartland, Mich.), Findlay was able to hold on and close out the game at the free throw line.
Bradford led the way offensively, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Roach, Metz, and Golden also finished with double-digit scoring with 15, 14, and 10 points, respectively.
The Lakers will be looking to bounce back against the Northwood Timberwolves on Saturday, Nov. 11 in Bud Cooper Gymnasium with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
