Mason City, Iowa — The 25th-ranked Iowa Lakes Community College women's basketball team picked up an impressive road victory Saturday afternoon, defeating 12th-ranked NIACC, 63–57, at NIACC in Mason City.

The Lakers set the tone early with a dominant defensive performance, holding the Trojans to just 5-of-35 shooting from the field in the first half. Iowa Lakes built control of the game by scoring 16 points in each of the first three quarters.

Tavara Swonger led the Lakers with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Erica Welsh added 10 points. Tahlea Tirrell contributed eight rebounds to anchor the effort on the glass.

Iowa Lakes finished with balanced scoring throughout the game, posting 16 points in the first, second, and third quarters, followed by 15 points in the fourth. NIACC made a late push with 25 points in the final period, but the Lakers stayed composed to secure the road win.

"This was a total team effort," said head coach Ashley Martin. "Our players were locked in defensively from the opening tip, and that set the tone for the entire game. Everyone contributed in their role, stayed focused, and trusted each other down the stretch against a very good team."

With the victory, Iowa Lakes improves to 9–3 overall and 5–0 in conference play. The Lakers return home on Wednesday to host Iowa Western, with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

OTHER: Photo of Tahlea Tirrell attached.`

Link to Roster: https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/roster

Link to Schedule: https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2025-26/schedule

MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Women's Basketball Coach Ashley Martin at (712) 362-7928 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.