Lake Superior State competed in its first matchup of the 2026-27 season against Truman State at the Justagame Fieldhouse on Friday afternoon. Chloe Watson scored 15 points and shot 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, but the Lakers dropped a 68-61 result to the Bulldogs.
"Chloe was big time for us," said Laker Head Coach Grace Howrigon after the season opener. "We've kind of transitioned her into a combo-guard this year. Her green light is as big as she wants it to be on any given day. She's a ball-dominant guard that can score at three levels and I thought she was aggressive today."
Watson, a fourth-year guard, scored the first points of the season for Lake State (0-1, 0-0 GLIAC), hitting a three off of Lara Aguzzi's pass. Watson shot over 71% from three-point range against the Bulldogs (1-0, 0-0 GLVC). She also tallied four rebounds and four assists in the contest.
The Lakers trailed by six midway through the second quarter but ended the half on a 9-2 run. Lake State led 30-29, with the Lakers run capped by back-to-back threes from Aguzzi and another by Malia Thelen.
Watson hit her fourth three of the night to open the third quarter putting Lake State ahead 33-29. The Lakers and Bulldogs continued to battle throughout the quarter, tying the score four times in the frame. Third-year transfer Tia Glazier, who got the start in her Laker debut, tied the game back up at 45 near the end of the third, and the teams went into the fourth tied 47-47.
Truman State started the fourth quarter on a 13-4 run but the Lakers rallied and cut it within three with just 18 seconds left in the contest. But a late layup and free throw shooting by the Bulldogs kept them in front until the final buzzer.Â
Three other Laker players scored double digit points in the season opener. Lauren Wilder had 13 points, Hunter Hartsgrove totaled 11 in her Laker debut and Aguzzi finished with 10.Â
"Having four players in double-digit scoring is really impressive," said Howrigon. "We obviously shot the ball very well. Anytime you can score 36 points from the three point line that's a good sign. I was very proud of our effort today."
LSSU shot 43% from three as a team, totaling 12 three-point makes.
Tomorrow, LSSU faces Minnesota State with tip-off set for 12:15 PM. Follow the Lakers throughout the season on the new Lake Superior State Lakers app, now available on the App Store and Google Play.
