WINONA LAKE – A slow start did not slow down the Lakeland Christian Academy girls basketball team Friday night.

The host Cougars recovered very nicely en route to defeating Victory Christian 50-34.

Victory Christian led 13-7 after the first period of play. LCA rallied to take a 26-22 halftime lead and then outscored their guests 15-6 in the pivotal third quarter.

Hope Fancil continued to lead the offense for the Cougars with a game-high 26 points.

Brady Gross had nine points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Anna Reimink had six points to go with seven rebounds and five assists for the Cougars.

Jess Slone netted four points and had nine rebounds. Melissa Goss had three points, seven rebounds and 10 assists and Heather Plastow four rebounds for the Cougars.

LCA, which improves to 9-9, hosts Granger Christian on Tuesday night.