Ferris State Closes Strong Weekend At D2CCA Tipoff Classic With Impressive Win

ERIE, Pa. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad closed out a strong opening weekend of action by defeating California University of Pennsylvania, 83-55, at the Highmark Events Center in Erie, capitalizing on 18 steals and 29 points off turnovers. The win gave FSU a 2-1 mark in the season-opening Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Tipoff Classic.

Ferris State opened the first quarter with a formidable defensive effort, forcing 10 turnovers and recording seven steals. Senior Kadyn Blanchard contributed significantly with five points, including a three-pointer at 7:58, assisted by fellow senior Mya Hiram. Hiram added to the offensive push by scoring a layup at 5:26 and assisting on Blanchard's three-pointer. The Vulcans kept the game competitive, with Trinity Balog scoring twice in the final minute to narrow the gap. At the end of the first quarter, Ferris State led 20-12.

Senior Mia Riley led the Bulldogs with a commanding performance in the second quarter, scoring multiple points from the free-throw line and adding a layup at 8:05 to maintain the lead. The Vulcans responded with Kennedy Bankett's three-pointer at 7:50, but Ferris State's defense forced turnovers, allowing senior Emma Schierbeek to extend the lead with a fastbreak jumper at 5:07. Freshman Charlotte Miller capped the quarter for FSU with a fastbreak three-pointer at 1:01, helping the Bulldogs edge out the opponents 19-16 in the quarter. Ferris State capitalized on turnovers and rebounds, maintaining their advantage going into the second half.

FSU outscored the Vulcans 21-16 in the third quarter to extend the lead. Hiram was instrumental, contributing multiple layups and free throws, including a pair of free throws with 0:02 remaining to close the quarter. Blanchard added to Ferris State's advantage with a jumper and an assist on a Schierbeek three-pointer at 6:47. Despite Bankett's efforts, scoring three layups for California, Ferris State's consistent offensive pressure maintained tits edge.

In the fourth quarter, Ferris State solidified the victory with a commanding 23-11 scoring advantage. Blanchard's early steal and subsequent layup at 9:38 set the tone for Ferris State's dominance, as the Bulldogs extended their lead to 62-44. Schierbeek contributed significantly with back-to-back layups at 5:55 and 5:23, pushing the home team's score to 70-47. Sophomore Grace Lyons capped off the scoring with a three-pointer at 4:10, as Ferris State's defense stood firm, forcing 11 turnovers in the final quarter and securing an 83-55 win.

Hiram led the team with 17 points, making all four of her free-throw attempts. Blanchard contributed with 13 points and recorded four steals. Redshirt freshman Mara Mitchell scored 12 points and collected two steals in the game while Riley notched 11 points for the Bulldogs and Schierbeek tallied nine points.

Bankett led the scoring effort for the Vulcans with 18 points, converting 8 of 14 field goal attempts, including a three-pointer. Hope Hawkins contributed 12 points, going 5 for 10 from the field, and posted eight rebounds.

The Bulldogs shot 43.1% overall from the floor and also went 15-of-16 (93.8%) at the free throw stripe in the win.

FSU's trip to the D2CCA Tipoff Classic included a win on Friday over #4 North Georgia in the season opener along with a close three-point setback to preseason #2 Union (Tenn.) on Saturday before the win over the Vulcans, who won 16 games a year ago.

Ferris State will host regional opponent Drury (Mo.) in the home opener on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. (ET) inside Jim Wink Arena.