SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State tightened the reigns defensively and clawed its way back from a 16-point first-half deficit to beat Walsh 53-47 Saturday and record its first Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball victory of the season.

The Lakers (2-6 overall, 1-3 GLIAC) trailed 27-18 at halftime after falling behind 27-11 early. LSSU's Raven Trammell opened the second half with a three-pointer, but Walsh (1-4 overall, 0-4 GLIAC) regained a 10-point lead, 39-29, with 10:41 remaining.

Trammell made two free throws and a three-pointer, and Maria Blazejewski contributed a three-point play and two free throws during a 12-2 LSSU run that tied the game, 41-41.

Lake Superior State led for the first time since the beginning stages of the game when Candice LaCross made a layup at 4:01 of the second half for a 45-44 Laker advantage.

Blazejewski followed two Trammell free throws with a jumper at 2:18 for a 59-44 LSSU lead. She sank two free throws inside the one-minute mark to extend the lead to six points, 52-46.

Blazejewski led the game with 22 points and nine rebounds. Trammell finished with 12 points, while LaCross totaled eight points. Taylor Greene had four stealls -- all during the second half -- as Walsh compiled 14 second-half turnovers.

LSSU shot 35.4 percent from the field, including 3-of-9 from three-point range, and made 16-of-25 free throws. The Lakers held a 37-36 rebounding edge.

Lydia Corle scored 19 points, and Maggie Berry totaled 13 points and eight rebounds to lead Walsh. The Cavaliers shot 34 percent from the field, including 4-of-10 from three-point range, and made 7-of-11 free throws.

LSSU held Walsh to seven second-half field goals.

The Lakers play at Lake Erie on Monday.

LSSU vs. Walsh Boxscore