Lake Michigan women escape in OT

A determined Glen Oaks Community College women's basketball team stayed within striking distance for 40 minutes and ultimately forced an overtime period Saturday at home against Lake Michigan College. But the Red Hawks were able to pull away with the win from the foul line in bonus time, 70–61. 

The Vikings were in control early, building a 16-7 lead through the first quarter and taking a 24-19 advantage into the locker room at halftime. Morgan Kurdziel, who was efficient all game, continued to attack the basket in the second half to finish with a team-high 16 points. Kamryn Washington also did her damage in the lane and ended the contest with 15 points. 

A Red Hawks run in the third quarter, though, took some of the air out of the Vikings tires. Lake Michigan took a six-point lead at one point before GOCC's Abby Youmans made a nice block that resulted in a layup on the other end by Chelsi Zyla, which trimmed the deficit to 39-35 heading into the fourth quarter. 

A Kurdziel drive and 3-pointer kept it a one-possession game as she went on to score seven points in the fourth. A three-point play by Washington got the lead back for Glen Oaks at 45-44 and she'd later hit a pair of free throws to extend the cushion to three points. 

With a 3-pointer and a putback, Lake Michigan managed to take a 57-55 lead with 18 seconds remaining. Following two missed free throws that could have tied the game, Glen Oaks came up with a needed turnover as Kurdziel got a steal on the other end. Amanda Barber got a clutch offensive rebound and got a shot off under the bucket to beat the buzzer and force overtime. 

Lake Michigan would ice the game in the last five minutes from the foul line to get out of Centreville with a victory. 

Barber and Kaytlin Smith each scored eight points for the Vikings, and Zyla registered six. Kylie Quist and Sarah DeKoning both finished with three and Youmans recorded two. Smith led the squad with 10 rebounds, while Coleman pulled down nine. Quist finished with seven rebounds and four assists. 

Glen Oaks slipped to 7-8 overall and 0-2 in Michigan Community College Athletic Association play. Lake Michigan improved to 3-11 overall and 1-0 in the league.