The College of Lake County Women's Basketball team wrapped up the fall semester in impressive fashion Tuesday night, earning a hard-fought road victory in Dixon, IL against Sauk Valley Community College, 70–53.
Facing a unique challenge in the paint with Sauk Valley's 6'3 Veltrop sisters; both averaging double-doubles on the season; The Lancers came out as they have all year attacking with pace and sharing the basketball. Early on, the size inside presented problems, with the Veltrop sisters waiting in the lane to deter drives. CLC stayed composed, adjusted their approach, and continued to put pressure on the defense, taking a 32–28 lead into halftime.
After regrouping at the break, the Lancers turned up the aggression offensively, consistently attacking the paint and kicking out to shooters. The result was one of their most efficient perimeter performances of the season, as CLC knocked down 15 of 36 three pointers and dished out 22 assists on the night.
"We knew their size was going to be an issue early," said head coach Tanner Morris. "I was really proud of how our group adjusted. We didn't stop attacking, we just got smarter about it. The ball movement in the second half was exactly what we want to look like."
CLC was led by Annamaria Luna, who put together a dominant all-around performance with 23 points and 11 assists. Olivia Robinson was lights out from beyond the arc, scoring 18 points on 6-8 shooting from three point range. Off the bench, Arianna Myers provided a huge spark with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while the Lancers controlled the glass behind Nevada Holm (8 points, 12 rebounds) and Monica Sierzputowski (8 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks).
"Our balance was big tonight," Morris added. "Annamaria controlled the game, Olivia stretched the floor, and our bench was tremendous. When we're sharing it like that and defending, we're tough to deal with."
The win moves the Lancers to 12-3 overall and keeps them ranked #25 in the nation, as they head into an 11-day holiday break.
"We've earned this break, but our focus will shift quickly," Morris said. "Conference play is right around the corner, and we know what's waiting for us.....Everyone is out to knock off the Defending Conference Champs."
CLC will return to action on January 6th, opening conference play at home against Oakton College, as the Lancers begin their title defense after winning last year's conference championship.
