Lakeland Sneaks Past Women's Basketball

MEQUON, Wis. – In a tight, back-and-forth matchup, the Lakeland Muskies narrowly edged the CUW women's basketball squad, 65-64. 

With the loss, the Falcons' record now stands at 10-13 overall and 7-7 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play. 

The first quarter saw Lakeland take an early lead before the Falcons regrouped to the contest at 11-11 with three minutes in the quarter courtesy of two made free throws from junior Aubrey DeBauch (Gillett, Wis.). 

Five straight CUW points from a three-pointer from junior Lindsey Lonigro (Deerfield, Wis.) and a layup from senior Deidre Lassiter (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) gave the Falcons a 17-16 lead. 

Out of the quick break, the Muskies hit their shots in the second quarter to enjoy a four-point lead at the half. 

During the third quarter, Lakeland maintained their slim margin over the Falcons until an and-one from freshman guard Jayden Ross (Baraboo, Wis.) leveled the score at 43-43.                                                                                       

However, the Muskies were able to reestablish their lead by the end of the quarter, as the score favored them 51-47. 

As the Falcons trailed by six, senior Madeline Taubenheim (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) hit a corner three on a drift pass from sophomore Ava Booth (Plymouth, Wis.) to cut their deficit to just three with 6:42 remaining in the contest. 

Later in the quarter, back-to-back buckets from senior Erin Viergutz (Clintonville, Wis.) shrank Lakeland's lead to just one, 63-62, with nearly two minutes left. 

Then, with less than a minute remaining, a pair of Jayden Ross free throws gave CUW the one-point lead, 64-63.

However, Lakeland would ultimately sneak away with a 65-64 victory as they hit a contested layup with four seconds left. 

Aubrey DeBauch had 17 points and six rebounds in the effort, while Erin Viergutz totaled 14 points, hauled in eight rebounds, and recorded three blocks. Meanwhile, Jayden Ross had a team-high 11 rebounds, nine points and four assists. 

The Falcons will remain at the R. John Buuck Field House when they host the Regents of Rockford University at 7 p.m.