Ferris State Drops Battle Of Ranked Teams In Opening Game Of Hawaii Trip

HONOLULU — The nationally 23rd-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad fell to ninth-ranked West Texas A&M University, 68-54, on Thursday (Dec. 18) night at the HPU Shark Tank in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Despite a strong rebounding effort with 45 total boards, the Bulldogs were unable to overcome a sluggish second quarter where they scored only four points.

The first quarter saw West Texas A&M take an early lead over Ferris State, finishing the quarter ahead 22-15. Kyla Kane was instrumental for the home team, hitting three 3-pointers, including a notable one at 7:14 that helped extend their lead. For the Bulldogs, Mia Riley contributed with five points, including a jumper with 3:08 remaining that narrowed the gap. Despite Ferris State's defensive efforts, which included three steals, the Lady Buffs maintained the momentum with Taylor Haggan scoring the final layup with two seconds left.

West Texas A&M took control in the second quarter, outscoring Ferris State 17-4. Haggan started the scoring for the Lady Buffs with two successful free throws at 9:41. Henley West contributed significantly, adding a layup at 3:22 and collecting multiple defensive rebounds. Randi Harding's fast-break layup at 1:34 extended West Texas A&M's lead further. FSU struggled offensively, with Kadyn Blanchard scoring their only buckets, including a jumper at the buzzer to close the quarter.

In the third quarter, the Bulldogs' Riley opened with a three-pointer at 9:46, maintaining their push. West Texas A&M responded with Claire Graham's layup at 6:38, narrowing the gap. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, including a three-pointer by Ally Schultz at 2:34, the Lady Buffs maintained control, highlighted by Kane's three-pointer at 3:31. The quarter concluded with Kane's jumper at 0:08, giving West Texas A&M an 18-16 edge for the period.

In the final quarter, Ferris State outscored West Texas A&M 19-11, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Riley was prominent, converting six free throws, including two following a technical foul at 7:29, contributing to the Bulldogs' attempt to narrow the gap. The Lady Buffs maintained control with a key jumper by Kane at 3:27, keeping the home team's lead intact. Emma Schierbeek added two three-pointers for the Bulldogs, yet the Lady Buffs' strong defense and timely scoring secured their advantage as the clock expired.

Riley led the Bulldogs with 20 points and secured 11 rebounds, converting all 11 of her free throw attempts. Miller added four points while collecting three rebounds and two steals. Irwin contributed defensively with five rebounds and two steals. Blanchard scored nine points and added three assists.

Kane led the Lady Buffs with 18 points, connecting on 7 of 16 from the field, including 4 of 11 from beyond the arc. Kenadee Winfrey contributed a double-double, scoring 10 points and securing 11 rebounds, with 10 on the defensive end. Karley Motschenbacher added 4 points while also recording 2 steals and 4 assists. Haggan posted 11 points and matched Motschenbacher's defensive contribution with 2 steals, while gathering a total of 6 rebounds.

The Bulldogs will next battle Alaska-Anchorage on Saturday (Dec. 20) evening to close out the trip to Hawaii.