Lakers Fall Short in Defensive Battle at Tompkins Cortland, 43-39

DRYDEN, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 43-39 decision to conference opponent Tompkins Cortland Community College on the road. Despite a strong defensive effort that forced 22 steals, the Lakers couldn't overcome shooting struggles and turnovers in the low-scoring affair.

Dalayla Alexander (Elicottville, N.Y./Elicottville) and Jade Roussell (Dundee, N.Y./Dundee) led the Lakers in scoring with 10 points each. Alexander hit 3 three-pointers and added 3 assists, while Roussell shot an efficient 5-11 from the field and grabbed 5 rebounds.

Jazzmyn Lewis (Waterloo, N.Y./Waterloo) was a force defensively, earning a double-double and finishing with 10 rebounds, 10 steals, and 5 assists. Ella Robinson (Hallstead, PA./Blue Ridge) contributed 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals in a well-rounded effort while Eliana Mason (Frederick, MD./New Life Christian) added 3 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.

The Lakers battled on the boards, pulling down 38 total rebounds, including 14 offensive, but their struggles to convert on second-chance opportunities proved costly. Tompkins Cortland's defense held strong in the closing minutes, handing the Lakers a tough conference loss.

Finger Lakes (6-8, 3-4 conference) will look to bounce back as they return to the road to face Mohawk Valley Community College tomorrow, January 26th, at 1 PM at the Jorgensen Athletic Center in Utica, N.Y.