The women’s basketball team from Southwestern Oregon Community College got the season off to a good start, beating Highline 68-63 in the first round of the Clackamas tournament.

The Lakers were in their first game after College of the Redwoods canceled a contest that had been scheduled for Wednesday.

“It was great to see them come out with a win,” said Southwestern coach Mike Herbert.

Megan Eng had 16 points for the Lakers, while Nicole Brzeczek had 15 points and Kelsea Johnson added 10 points and a team-high five rebounds.

Rachel Matthews had nine points and Kara Miller seven.

The Lakers gave up 31 turnovers, but forced 35.

“We handled the presure for the most part,” Herbert said. “I’m just so proud of them. It’s incredible to see them come out and work so hard.”

The Lakers won the hustle battle during the night, he said.

“We took five charges. We just played so hard, diving on the floor. The hustle stuff that we can do every night, we did.”

The Lakers will play NWAACC South Region foes the final two days of the event. Southwestern meets Umpqua in the semifinals tonight, while host Clackamas and Mount Hood meet in the other semifinal.

Southwestern’s men, competing in the Red Devil Classic at Longview, Wash., beat Peninsula 86-77 on Friday.