The Aurora University Women's basketball team took to Thornton Gymnasium in the Northern Athletics Conference North-South Challenge game against the Lakeland College Muskies.
In the final contest of the 2010-2011 season, the Spartans could not overcome the Muskies as Lakeland defeated AU 63-53.
The Spartans took control of the game in the opening minutes. Sound defensive play aided in opening a 9-2 lead for the Spartans four minutes into the game.
The Muskies picked up the offensive production with successful outside shooting and tied the game at 13-13 with less than 12 minutes left in the half.
Lakeland continued to knock down outside shots as junior guard Erin Cepa led the outside shooting attack (three-of-three from outside) for the Muskies as they took the lead 24-17 with 7:30 remaining in the half.
The lead was slowly increased for the Muskies throughout the remaining minutes of the first half as Lakeland lead 37-23 at the midway point of the game.
Cepa led Lakeland (17 points) while the Spartans were paced by senior guard Ashley Daniels (eight points and four rebounds).
The Spartans opened the second half with five quick points, however the Muskies answered with a 10-2 run of their own making the score 47-30 with 14 minutes left in the game.
The next several minutes saw an exchanging of baskets between teams and with 9:30 on the clock, the Muskies held onto a 19 point lead (55-36).
A scoreless stretch for the Spartans that totaled almost six minutes allowed the Muskies to open their lead to 63-36 before Daniels and sophomore guard Devin Barth knocked down back to back three pointers which brought the score to 63-43 with just over four minutes left in the game.
Several baskets by the Spartans in the final moments cut into the Muskie lead but despite the run, Lakeland would hold onto win 63-53.
Individual leaders for the Spartans included Daniels (13 points and four steals) senior guard Jessica Mason (10 points and six rebounds) and sophomore guard Devin Barth (10 points).
Leading the Muskies were Cepa (17 points on 5-6 shooting from outside) Mary Dennewitz (12 points, five steals and four rebounds).
The loss brings a close to the women's season as they finish with a 6-19 overall record and 3-14 in the NAC in their first season under coach Jabari Harrell.
