WINONA LAKE – The Lakeland Christian Academy girls basketball team opened its season Tuesday night with a 57-23 loss to Northfield at home.

Sydney Elzroth scored a game-high 19 points and Katie Stephan added 14 for the winners.

Northfield, which finished 10-13 last season, received votes in the Class 2-A preseason poll.

Jess Goss led the way for LCA with seven points. Hannah Remington, Alisa Gross and Morgan Holsclaw each had four points for the Cougars.

“Northfield came out and played a confident game,” said first-year LCA coach Ty Propp. “Our offense did not adjust well to their pressure.  We have demonstrated that we don’t give up and will work hard to finish with dignity. It’s good to get a game under our belt. The girls are ready to develop their play to be a strong team to contend with.”

LCA returns to action at home Saturday by hosting Michigan City Marquette Catholic at 1 p.m.