The Pen High Lakers senior girls basketball team returned from North Kamloops with a 61-55 loss.
A poor third quarter and strong shooting by the Saints resulted in the final against the road squad. The Lakers led by five at half but couldn't build on it. Lyndzie Caron led the offence with 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Chloe Brydon chipped in seven points.
Lakers co-coach Lesley Lacroix said that fitness is an area she and co-coach Dustin Hyde will place an emphasis to improve in the second half of the season.
The Lakers return to Kamloops next Tuesday for a league match, this time against the Titans.
Over the weekend, the Lakers took third at the Immaculata Mustangs tournament.
They defeated Keremeos, ranked third in A, 55-33 after overcoming a slow start. It was the performance of seniors Sydney Clarke and Anika Holowaty that allowed the Lakers to pull ahead. Clarke was strong defensively, while Holowaty collected 19 points, all in the fourth quarter. Her performance earned her Laker player of the game. Clarke shut down all-star Madison Terbasket and was rewarded with defensive player of the game.
The Lakers opened the tournament with a 59-45 win over the Sahali Sabres. Celine Francisco was the top scorer with 13 points. Hannah Clarke and Mattie Phillip chipped in 11 points each. The Lakers then faced the hosts, ranked No.1 in AA, and lost 95-33. Caron was the top scorer with 15 points and collected six boards. Britney Young earned best defensive player and Francisco was player of the game.