Tech prevails over Lewis 75-71

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Michigan Tech women's basketball picked up a 75-71 victory over Lewis University to begin their non-conference regular season campaign Saturday afternoon at Barry Events Center in the NMU Tournament. Tech jumped out to a 16-3 early lead and carried the momentum behind Ellie Mackay's 18 points and nine rebounds. Daisy Ansel also contributed with 14 points, four rebounds, and Alex Rondorf managed 13 points, eight rebounds.

"I thought it was a hard-fought win today," said head coach Sam Clayton. "Lewis is a really good team and forced us to rush our offense a bit. We got good shots when we took care of the ball. We still have to get better defensively but we did just enough today and I was proud of our effort and ability to finish late in the game. Our backcourt of Ellie, Daisy, and Alex did a good job staying poised under pressure and made some big plays for us throughout the game."

The Huskies shot an impressive 56.1-percent (32-for-57) from the field, including 50-percent (8-for-16) from 3-point range. Tech also recorded a decisive 38-22 edge in rebounds, including seven off the bench by Sara Dax. Tech led 27-21 after an extended first quarter (delayed by shot clock malfunction). Lewis reversed the point spread in the second and the teams went into halftime tied 39-39. Dax's jump shot with 1:07 remaining in the fourth quarter helped separate the Huskies 73-69 and Rondorf connected with two free throws with nine seconds to play to keep the game to two possessions.

Michigan Tech committed 21 turnovers compared to 13 for Lewis. Rondorf led the squad with five assists.

Michigan Tech (1-0, 0-0 GLIAC) continues in the NMU Tournament Sunday against William Jewell (0-1, 0-0 GLVC) at 12 p.m. est. William Jewell suffered defeat 61-41 to Northern Michigan on Saturday. Lewis (0-1, 0-0 GLVC) plays Northern Michigan (1-0, 0-0 GLIAC) Sunday afternoon.