Lakeland College

Lakeland Women Drop First NAC Game of Season at Benedictine

Athletics - posted on 12/16/2006

The Lakeland College women's basketball team (5-3, 3-1 NAC) picked up its first loss in Northern Athletics Conference play on Saturday, Dec. 16, falling to Benedictine University, 62-48, in Lisle, Ill.

The Muskies struggled on offense throughout the low-scoring game, shooting a frustrating 33 percent from the field, but were only behind 23-16 after the first half of play despite shooting 26 percent as Benedictine averaged only 24 percent. However, the Eagles improved to shoot 50 percent from the floor in the second half, six of which were 3-pointers, to put the game out of reach for Lakeland.

"Offense has been a problem for us all season," said head coach April Arvan. "Our problem is that we haven't had the ability to put the ball in the hoop from the outside and our bench hasn't been able to knock down shots. Our offense in the first half put a tremendous about of pressure on our defense."

A 3-point play by senior forward Jenna Boehm put the Muskies within seven points with under 10 minutes remaining in the game, but the squad was unable to contest the Eagles' improved shooting to lessen the gap any further.

Boehm led the Muskies in scoring with 10 points and also added eight rebounds. Freshman guard Brittanie Paulus was just shy of a double-double, leading the team on the boards with nine and also tallying nine points. Freshmen guards Megan Chart and KC Blahnik along with freshman forward Emily Agner also contributed with six points apiece.

"Brittanie and Megan going seven for 14 is exactly what we are hoping for them to do every game," Arvan said. "Terra Hiben coming off the bench and knocking down a three was also good to see. I have to find the players that are going to make shots for us."

Lakeland will look to get back on track with a non-conference game at Beloit College on Saturday, Dec. 30, in Beloit, Wis. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

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