Slow Start, Turnovers, and Injuries Doom Commodores vs. Express

January 29, 2025 - - The Lorain County Community College women's basketball team faced adversity in their latest matchup, battling turnovers, foul trouble, and the loss of a key scorer in the second half. Despite these challenges, the Commodores put forth a valiant effort but ultimately came up short against the Owens Community College Express in Perrysburg, Ohio, 77-82.

From the outset, turnovers proved to be a major issue for LCCC (9-12, 4-6). The Commodores committed seven turnovers in the first quarter alone, struggling to find a rhythm offensively. By halftime, the team had amassed 13 turnovers in twenty minutes of play.

LCCC's leading scorer, Ally Winnen (Lorain, Ohio/Elyria Catholic), was forced to the bench early after picking up two quick fouls within the first five minutes of the game. Without their dominant presence in the paint, the Commodores found themselves trailing by as many as 10 points in the first half. However, they showed resilience and managed to cut the deficit to three points in the closing minutes of the half, keeping themselves within striking distance.

Unfortunately for the Commodores, they were without starter Abigail Schmitz (Amherst, Ohio/Firelands HS) for the entire second half. Schmitz, who had contributed eight points in the first half, was unable to return after coming out of the game late in the first half.

The Commodores stayed with Owens for much of the second half but couldn't find that run to put them out in front of the Express.

Despite these setbacks, Winnen put together an outstanding performance after returning to the court. She had 33 points on 13-of-20 shooting while also pulling down 14 rebounds to secure another double-double in her dominant season.

Chloe Meng (Elyria, Ohio/First Baptist Christian) provided additional offensive support, scoring 10 points and dishing out four assists, while Allison Jones contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. Off the bench, Michelle Echevarria (Ponce, Puerto Rico/Lehigh HS) made an impact with 10 rebounds and eight points, helping LCCC stay in contention.

Next Up:

The Commodores will stay on the road this weekend when they travel to Hocking College this Saturday, February 1, 2025, in another OCCAC matchup. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.