Shorthanded Commodores Fall to Lakeland Despite Strong Start

January 7, 2026 - -  The Lorain County Community College women's basketball team battled throughout the night but dropped a 66–41 decision to Lakeland Community College on Wednesday evening inside the Ewing Activities Center Gymnasium.

LCCC opened the game with strong defensive energy and held Lakeland to just one point in the first quarter while building an 11–1 lead.  The Lakers responded in the second quarter and took control going into halftime, and LCCC trailed 27–16 at the break.  The Commodores were limited to just five players on the night.

Abbey Schmitz (Amherst, Ohio/Firelands HS) led LCCC with 22 points and delivered a dominant effort on the glass with 18 rebounds to record a double-double, her fourth of the season.  She also added two blocks and two steals.

Chloe Meng (Elyria, Ohio/First Baptist Christian HS) provided a scoring boost from the perimeter, finishing with 12 points while knocking down three three-pointers and adding three assists.  Abi Rhoades (Vermilion, Ohio/Vermilion HS) contributed nine rebounds, four points, and a steal, while Chelsey Lantsberry (Wakeman, Ohio/Vermilion HS) added three points, five rebounds, and three assists.