Foresters Win Twice to Claim Own Tip-Off Tournament Title
Team defeats Elmhurst College and Concordia University Chicago

Beth Lucas

Nicole Baich

Senior guard Beth Lucas (Arlington Heights, Ill./John Hersey) led the Foresters with 17 points and five assists and added five rebounds on Friday. Senior center Nicole Baich (Westchester, Ill./Nazareth Academy) had 14 points, five rebounds, and a pair of blocked shots and sophomore center Lisa Nassin (Evergreen Park, Ill./Evergreen Park) chipped in with 11 points and a team-high eight boards.

The home team shot 49.2 percent from the field, made five of 13 three-pointers, and knocked down 15 of 25 free throws. Elmhurst was 46.3 percent from the floor, 5-of-11 from beyond the arc, and 18-of-24 from the line. Lake Forest out-rebounded the Bluejays 37-27 and committed 19 turnovers while forcing 17.

There were nine lead changes in the game, including seven in the first half. An 8-0 Forester run starting with nine minutes to play in the contest put the home team ahead for good. Elmhurst pulled to within a single point (64-63) with just less than six minutes left but Lake Forest would not relinquish the lead.

Nassin scored a dozen points to lead the Foresters in the championship game. She also had two blocked shots and two steals. Sophomore guard Tracy Rainey (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) scored 10 points, pulled down nine rebounds, and doubled her previous career-high with six steals. Senior guard Eileen Walsh (Hickory Hills, Ill./Amos Alonzo Stagg) led all players in the game with a career-high 10 rebounds.

The Foresters shot 34.8 percent from the floor, including 1-of-17 from long-range. The team made all but two of its 12 free throw attempts. Concordia shot 31.1 percent from the field, 4-of-12 on three-pointers, and 14-of-17 from the line. Lake Forest held a 40-36 edge in rebounds and 35-23 turnover advantage.

The home team led by as many as 14 in a low-scoring first period before the Cougars netted the last 10 points of the first half and the first five of the second to take a 22-21 lead. A 12-2 run put the Forester back on top by nine but nine straight Concordia points later gave the visitors a 37-36 lead with less than eight minutes remaining. The Foresters quickly regained the advantage and pulled away down the stretch.

Lucas and Baich were named to the five-member all-tournament team.

Lake Forest’s next game is Tuesday (November 20) night at 7:00 at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Forester Tip-Off Tournament Page

Lake Forest - Elmhurst Box Score
Lake Forest - Concordia Chicago Box Score