Following a large struggle a season ago, the Skaneateles girls basketball team sought to recover this season. But the Lakers got a rough baptism in last Wednesday’s opener, venturing to Hannibal and taking a 60-33 loss to the Warriors. Skaneateles never could recover from a rough first half as Hannibal bolted out to a 31-8 advantage, negating the Lakers’ late surge. Jackie Leslie led the visitors with 12 points, while Holly Ross and Ashley Sheldon earned six points apiece. Hannibal had Taylor Sorell earn 16 points, with Sam April (12 points) and Allie Taylor (11 points) also reaching double figures. Two nights later, the Lakers’ home opener against Phoenix nearly turned into a win before a last-minute rally pushed the Firebirds past Skaneateles 38-36. When Phoenix roared out to a 13-4 first-quarter lead, it looked to be more trouble. But the Lakers hung in there until, in the third quarter, it outscored the Firebirds 16-10 to give itself a chance. This continued until Skaneateles led, 36-35, with less than a minute to play. Phoenix didn’t panic, though, setting up an open look for Britney Sears, whose shot with 25 seconds left, combined with a late Kaylee May free throw, gave the Firebirds the win. For its part, the Lakers saw Sheldon and Emily Call each pick up eight points, as Kylie Dodson got five points. May (12 points) and Sears (nine points) led the Phoenix effort. Skaneateles would play on the road this week, going to Bishop Ludden on Tuesday and to rival Marcellus on Friday night.