PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- The Lake Erie women's basketball team hosted the Salem University Tigers today for their final contest of the 2024 calender year. It was a tighter game than expected but the Storm rode a strong second half into a 79-63 win.

Game Recap

The Tigers did very little to stifle the Storm offense  from putting up shots to begin the game. Unfortunately for the Storm though, not many of them ended up falling in. They shot 26.7 percent form the field and went 0-for-6 from deep. In the second, Lake Erie began to find their rhythm and outscored the Tigers 15-7 in the quarter and shot 32.3 percent from the field and knocked down two threes. In her season debut, Grace Lyon helped find the Tigers weakness in the post and contributed for nine of the team's 29 points.

With a groove starting to form and a slight 27-24 deficit, the offense continued their momentum into the second half and continued to roll. The fourth quarter was no exception and Lake Erie hit five of their seven three pointers in the quarter alone.

The Storm defense kept pressure the whole game, forcing 27 turnovers, blocking six shots, and grabbing 10 steals. Megan Mares accounted for three of the team's blocks and Lyon, Riley Montagner, and Anna Ibos each had two steals. 

Lyon finished with 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting, and Montagner put up 17 of her own, accounting for all five Storm three pointers in the fourth.

Kennadi Harris led the team with six rebounds (five defensive) and Lilee Carlson dished out seven assists as well.


The Matchup

The win now continues the Storm's undefeated record against Salem (4-0). All four games have taken place at home and this is their first meeting since the 2015-2016 season when they won 82-57.


Looking Ahead 

Lake Erie will get back into conference play on Thursday, January 2nd at Northwood before traveling to Hillsdale on Saturday, January 4th. Tip-off will be at 5:30 p.m. at Northwood and 1 p.m. at Hillsdale.