Ferris State Claims 10th Win Of Season With Big Second Half Against Parkside

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The nationally 23rd-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad picked up its 10th win of the season, beating Parkside on Monday (Jan. 5) night by a 96-90 score inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs overcame a 12-point halftime deficit with a strong second-half performance in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) tilt. FSU made 12 three-pointers, shooting 50% from beyond the arc to secure the win.

The game opened with the Rangers establishing a lead through a series of early baskets, including a three-pointer by Peighton Nelson at 9:32, assisted by Lillie Petersen. The Bulldogs responded with senior Elle Irwin making a free throw at 7:42 to get on the board. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, the Rangers continued to control the pace, with Lillie Petersen contributing a layup and a free throw near the end of the quarter to extend the lead. The Bulldogs closed the first quarter with a three-pointer from Irwin, narrowing the gap to 21-17 in favor of the Rangers.

Parkside maintained control throughout the second quarter, opening with a three-pointer by Nelson at 8:56 to extend the lead to 26-20. The Bulldogs' Alyssa Wirth responded with a basket, cutting the deficit to four points. However, Parkside's Katie Hamill and Jaelyn Derlein combined for multiple three-pointers and layups, pushing the score to 42-32 inside of two minutes to play. Despite senior Mia Riley adding late free throws, Petersen concluded the quarter with a three-pointer, securing a 47-35 advantage at halftime.

Ferris State rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the Rangers 30-16 to take control of the game. Senior Mya Hiram sparked the comeback with a three-pointer at 7:35, closing the gap to 51-42. Senior Emma Schierbeek's fast break three-pointer at 2:32 gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the quarter at 58-56. Nelson narrowed the score to 63-61 with a three-pointer at 1:13, but senior Kadyn Blanchard's free throws with a minute to play extended the Bulldogs' lead to 65-61. The Rangers' Ally Hampel's late layup with one second remaining left the score at 65-63 heading to the final period.

FSU maintained its throughout the final quarter, defeating Parkside 96-90. Schierbeek was instrumental, contributing a key layup at 5:18 and later draining a three-pointer at 4:38, extending the margin. Irwin and Riley both added crucial points from the paint and free-throw line, ensuring the home team stayed ahead. Despite a late push from the Rangers, including Nelson's fast-break layup at 3:20 and Petersen's three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining, Ferris State secured the victory with consistent scoring and defensive stops.

Schierbeek lead the Bulldogs with a game-high 25 points, hitting five-of-six from beyond the arc. Hiram tallied 19 points with six boards in the win. Blanchard contributed 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds, showing efficiency on both ends of the floor. Riley added 14 points, including converting seven-of-12 free throws, while also blocking two shots. Irwin finished with 14 points and recorded two steals, making an impact on the defensive end.

Hamill led the Rangers with a strong performance, scoring 24 points, recording eight assists, and securing four steals while also grabbing eight rebounds. Nelson contributed with 18 points and was effective beyond the arc with four three-pointers, alongside nine assists and two steals. Petersen added to the effort with 15 points, connecting on five-of-nine field goal attempts, and collected six rebounds. Derlein impressed in the first half with 13 points, including three three-pointers.

Ferris State shot 54.5% from the floor and went 10-of-13 (76.9%) in the fourth period. FSU made 12-of-24 (50%) three's and hit 24-of-33 (72.7%) free throws.

The Bulldogs improved to 10-3 overall and 3-1 in the GLIAC with the win.

Ferris State will head to Michigan's Upper Peninsula this coming week for a pair of league road games, starting on Saturday (Jan. 10) at Michigan Tech. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. (ET) in Houghton.