The Lake Forest College women's basketball team dropped its first game at the Hoop N Surf Classic on Saturday, a 43-38 decision against Willamette University. Forester freshman guard Kelsey Schmitt matched one career-high with nine points and doubled another with 10 rebounds.

Schmitt led the Foresters in both categories on a day when both offenses struggled. Lake Forest shot just 27.3 percent from the field while Willamette was at 30.8 percent. The teams also combined to make five of 31 three-pointers and 14 of 23 foul shots. Willamette had a slight 42-39 edge in rebounds.

Lake Forest got off to a slow start in the contest, scoring just two points in the game's first 14 minutes. Trailing 16-2, the Foresters rattled off 11 straight points to climb back into the game and trailed by just four (19-15) at halftime.

The Foresters closed to within a basket a couple of times early in the second half but fell behind by 10 at 33-23 with 10 minutes to play. A three-pointer by Schmitt started a 14-7 Lake Forest run, which included a career-high six points by sophomore forward Brittany Avonts, which made the score 40-38 with three-and-a-half minutes remaining. The Foresters were shut out the rest of the way, however, as Willamette hung on for the victory.

Lake Forest is now 3-6 on the season. The Bearcats raised thrid recod to 5-4.

The Foresters will take on George Fox University Sunday morning at 11:00 (HST).