Lakers vs. WMU
Underclassmen put on scoring show
SAULT STE. MARIE - Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference scoring leader Mandy Jaeb, a Tiffin sophomore, scored 21 points to hit her average, but Lake Superior State freshman Maria Blazejewski answered with a season-high 27 points to lead the Lakers to a 67-64 win Saturday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.
The LSSU rookie was 9-of-15 from the field and 8-of-10 at the free-throw line while netting more than 20 points for the second time this season. She also contributed six rebounds, three blocked shots and two steals.
Ronlea Peterson and Nicole Marshall added 11 points each for LSSU (5-2 overall, 4-1 GLIAC). Peterson and Cassy Schemberger totaled six rebounds each. Emily Joseph and Marshall combined to total nine assists.
Lake Superior State, which led 35-30 at halftime, struggled to gain the upper hand against a pesky Tiffin defense. Marshall converted a three-point play at the 1:43 mark to give the Lakers a 61-57 lead. Joseph made two free throws with 55 seconds remaining to answer two free throws made by Jaeb.
Tiffin's Jessica Harris canned a three-pointer to cut the lead to one point, 65-64, with 32 seconds left. Peterson and Blazejewski were both 1-for-2 at the line as the Dragons were forced to foul during the final 21 seconds.
LSSU shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 2-of-12 from three-point range. The Lakers made 23-of-28 free throws.
Tiffin (3-5 overall, 1-3 GLIAC) shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 6-of-16 from three-point range. The Dragons were 10-of-15 at the free throw line.
LSSU will host the GLIAC vs. Great Lakes Valley Conference Challenge Dec. 29-30 at Cooper Gym. The Lakers play GLVC foes Bellarmine at 5:30 p.m. on the 29th and St. Joseph's at 5:30 p.m. on the 30th. Northwood will also represent the GLIAC.
