(CANTON, Ohio) - A second-half surge of 62 points was too much to overcome as Lake Erie (0-1, 0-1 G-MAC) dropped a 112-63 decision to Malone (2-4,2-4 G-MAC) in Canton on Thursday, December 31. 

Senior forward Breanna Bauer (Port Huron, Mich.) led all Storm players in scoring with 14 points and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Sydney Wyngarden (Hilliard, Ohio) joined Bauer as the only other player in double figures knocking down three 3 pointers and finishing with 11 points.

Lake Erie spent much of the game fighting from behind and started to make a run going into halftime by cutting down the lead to 11, but the offensive power of Pioneers showed no let up. Both teams went into the half with Malone up 50-35. 

A 40 point third quarter extended the halftime lead for the Pioneers. Robin Campbell led six Pioneers in double figures but it would be Holly Groff that would fuel the offense with 14 points and a game-high seven assists. Emma Kallas added 14 points as well while each member of the Malone roster was able to contribute in the scoring column. 

The Storm struggled from the field shooting 37.5% and only going 6-20 from behind the arc. Junior guard Lainey Billing (Columbus, Ohio) and sophomore forward Shalaya Heath (Englewood, Ohio) both scored seven points off the bench for the Storm. Freshman guard Dy'Jhanik Armfield (Cincinnati, Ohio) scored eight points, secured seven rebounds, and dished out three assists in her first collegiate game. 

Lake Erie will now rest until Saturday, January 2 when they host Ohio Dominican. Game time is set for 1 p.m. at the Osbourne Center.

Due to Covid-19 protocols, no spectators will be allowed to attend ALL indoor home events this season.