SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State won a test of wills and a low-scoring women's basketball contest against Illinois-Springfield. The Lakers prevailed 49-44 Saturday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium to finish 2-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference vs. Great Lakes Valley Conference Challenge.

LSSU led 23-21 at halftime, and both teams struggled to gain control during the second half. The Lakers built a late 43-38 lead on two baskets by Stephanie Fisher and one by April LaCross. Fisher made another layup at 1:12, and Kandace Crittendon sealed the win with two free throws with 16 seconds remaining.

Fisher led the Lakers with 16 points, and Crittendon added four points and 11 rebounds. Rookie Natalie Peterson had seven points and eight rebounds coming off the bench.

The Lakers shot 28.6 percent from the field, including 3-of-23 from three-point range, and made 14-of-19 free throws.

Syerra Cunningham led Illinois-Springfield (0-2) with 14 points and 13 rebounds. UIS shot 32 percent from the field, including 3-of-17 from three-point range, and made 9-of-13 free throws. The Prairie Stars out-rebounded LSSU, 44-37.

In the earlier game, Hillsdale defeated McKendree, 71-61.

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