EDMONTON, ALTA. - Despite Hallie Watt's game-high 15 points, the NAIT Ooks dropped their home opener to the Lakeland Rustlers in the NAIT Gymnasium on Friday night. 

The Rustlers came out hot in the first quarter scoring 18 points to the Ooks 11 to find themselves up by 7. Todd Warnick's young NAIT squad responded outscoring Lakeland 15-9 in the second quarter to make it 27-26 in favour for the Rustlers at the half. The rest of the game would be a battle as it was back and forth through the second half. The Rustlers would ultimately hold on for a 58-57 victory. 

Hallie Watt had a game-high 15 points to lead the Ooks in scoring, while Jeanelle Charchuk led the Rustlers with 10 points off the bench. 

The two teams will rematch tomorrow night at 6:00 pm in Lloydminster.