#22 Ferris State Earns Big Road Victory At #14 Northern Michigan

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The nationally 22nd-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad earned a big Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) road win on Monday (Jan. 12) night, defeating #14 Northern Michigan University 70-52 inside Vandament Arena in Marquette.

The Bulldogs used a decisive second quarter, outscoring the hosts 27-9, to seize control and pull away for the win. FSU had a strong defensive effort and capitalized on turnovers in the victory, converting 14 steals into 17 points.

Ferris State started the first quarter with a strong offensive performance, quickly taking the lead with a three-pointer from senior Emma Schierbeek at the 9:30 mark. Senior Kadyn Blanchard was also instrumental, contributing a jumper and a three-pointer to extend the Bulldogs' lead to 8-0. The Wildcats responded with Jacy Weisbrod's layup but struggled to close the gap. With 43 seconds remaining, Schierbeek hit another three-pointer, assisted by Blanchard, solidifying Ferris State's 12-6 advantage by the end of the quarter.

The Bulldogs dominated the second quarter, outscoring Northern Michigan 27-9. Senior Mya Hiram led the charge with 11 points, including two three-pointers, contributing to FSU's efficient shooting. Blanchard added critical points with two three-pointers and a layup, while Schierbeek also contributed with a three-pointer and a late jumper. The Bulldogs' defense was effective, forcing six turnovers and securing six steals, which limited the Wildcats' scoring opportunities.

Senior Mia Riley ignited Ferris State's offense early in the third quarter with a fast-break three-pointer at 8:32, assisted by Blanchard, to extend their lead over NMU. However, the Wildcats responded with a strong performance in the paint, led by Sydney Whitehouse's scoring, including a layup at 6:02. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, the Wildcats outscored them in the quarter, 22-13, powered by a balanced attack and key contributions from the bench. Schierbeek capped the period for Ferris State with a three-pointer in the final seconds, bringing the score to 52-37.

In the fourth quarter, FSU maintained the lead, highlighted by Riley's quick three-pointer at 9:04, assisted by Blanchard, pushing the score to 55-37. Blanchard played a key role, contributing both offensively and defensively, including a steal at 8:45 leading to further scoring opportunities. Northern Michigan responded with a three-pointer from Weisbrod at 5:41, narrowing the gap slightly. Despite their efforts, the Wildcats were unable to overcome Ferris State's steady performance, with Hiram's layup in the final minute securing a decisive 70-52 victory.

Blanchard scored 19 points and added nine assists, contributing significantly to the offensive effort. Riley posted 16 points, making two 3-pointers and collecting six rebounds. Schierbeek also tallied 16 points, including four 3-pointers, while recording two blocks and two steals. Hiram netted 15 points overall to go with eight rebounds. Elle Irwin contributed defensively with three steals and two blocks.

Weisbrod led Northern Michigan with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded four steals. Whitehouse added 10 points, converting 4 of 6 field goals and contributing a steal. Jordyn Schmittdiel tallied eight points and collected seven rebounds while securing three steals. Alyssa Hill grabbed nine rebounds and added two steals to her two-point contribution. CJ Romero facilitated the offense with three assists and three rebounds.

The win lifted Ferris State to 12-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play this year following the sweep in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The Bulldogs will return home to begin a six-game homestand starting on Saturday, Jan. 17, versus Davenport with tipoff set for 1 p.m. (ET) inside FSU's Jim Wink Arena.