ESTHERVILLE, Iowa — The 20th-ranked Iowa Lakes women's basketball team earned a hard-fought home victory Wednesday night, defeating Iowa Western 59–54 inside Laker Gymnasium.

The game was tightly contested early, with the teams tied 13–13 after the first quarter. Iowa Lakes took control in the second period, building a 30–20 advantage at halftime. The Lakers continued to extend their lead in the third quarter and held a 46–30 edge at the end of the period.

The Reivers came on strong to close out the third quarter and carried that momentum into the fourth, cutting the Lakers' lead to three with less than two minutes to go, but Iowa Lakes held firm down the stretch to secure the win.

Tahlea Tirrell led all scorers with a game-high 19 points and added five rebounds, shooting an efficient 6-for-9 from the floor and 2-for-3 from three-point range. Shanya Glover contributed 10 points, while Baakir Christian controlled the glass with a game-high seven rebounds. Zoey Wooten sparked the Lakers defensively with five steals on the night.

"It's been a great start to the season, and our team has grown a lot this first semester," said head coach Ashley Martin. "I'm proud of how our group continues to compete and find ways to win."

With the win, the Lakers improve to 10–3 overall and remain unbeaten in conference play at 6–0. Iowa Lakes returns to action at home on Saturday, January 3, when they host Southeastern Community College at 1:00 p.m.

OTHER: Photo of Zari Atlas 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.