AUBURN – Lakeland Christian Academy dropped its first game of the season, and lost in heartbreaking fashion Thursday night.

LCA didn’t carry a lead into any of the first three quarters, and couldn’t quite catch Lakewood Park Christian in a 33-31 girls basketball loss. LCA trailed by six points, 24-18, heading into the fourth quarter before outscoring LPC 13-9 in the fourth, but not getting the final two points it needed.

Jess Slone led the Cougars (2-1) with 12 points and eight boards and Anna Reimink had a full plate with eight points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Brady Gross and Tori Calizo combined for 14 rebounds. The Panthers held LCA scoring ace Hope Fancil to just five points. Fancil would contribute eight rebounds and two blocks.

LCA will host Elkhart Christian Saturday morning.