Ferris State Falls Top-Ranked GVSU In GLIAC Home Contest On Monday

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad fell to nationally top-ranked Grand Valley State 88-59 on Monday (Jan. 19) night inside Jim Wink Arena.

Despite the Bulldogs' 88.2 percent free throw shooting, the Lakers capitalized on 24 assists to maintain their undefeated record.

Ferris State and Grand Valley State ended the first quarter tied at 17-17 after a competitive start. Senior Mia Riley contributed significantly for the Bulldogs, sinking a three-pointer at 7:36 and converting all four of her free-throw attempts, including two crucial shots at the 0:59 mark to tie the game. Paige Vanstee was a key player for the Lakers, scoring multiple times in the paint, including a layup at 2:47 that briefly extended their lead. Both teams demonstrated defensive grit, with the Bulldogs' Kadyn Blanchard making an impactful steal with 37 seconds to go while the Lakers capitalized on turnovers to maintain the balance.

Grand Valley State gained momentum in the second quarter, highlighted by Lauren Slagle's early three-pointer assisted by Vanstee at 8:55, pushing their lead to 20-17. Riley responded quickly for FSU with a fastbreak three-pointer, tying the game at 20-20. Slagle continued her shooting success with another three-pointer at 8:29, assisted by Nicole Kamin, extending the visitor's lead to 23-20. Despite Riley's efforts, including a layup and free throws, the Lakers maintained their edge, with Mackenzie Bisballe scoring a fastbreak layup at 1:05, increasing their advantage to 37-30. Blanchard's late three-pointer brought the Bulldogs within four points, closing the quarter at 37-33 in favor of the Lakers.

GVSU dominated the third quarter, outscoring Ferris State 30-13. Vanstee initiated the scoring with a layup just 10 seconds in, assisted by Molly Anderson, setting the tone for the quarter. Kamin contributed significantly, converting two free throws at 9:01 and later hitting a three-pointer at 3:30, extending the visiting team's lead. The Bulldogs struggled to keep pace, with Riley assisting on the final basket of the quarter, a fast-break jumper by Alyssa Wirth, which closed the gap slightly. Despite this, the Lakers maintained control, concluding the quarter leading 67-46.

Grand Valley State dominated the final quarter, extending their lead to secure a decisive victory over Ferris State. Ava Scanlon made an early impact with a layup at 9:28, swiftly followed by another layup at 9:05, assisted by Kamin, to widen the gap to 71-46. Anderson further extended their lead with a three-pointer at 8:31, again facilitated by Kamin's assist. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, including a three-pointer from senior Emma Schierbeek at 5:40 and Riley's contributions, they couldn't close the deficit, ending the game at 88-59 in favor of the Lakers.

Riley led the Bulldogs with 21 points, converting 9 of 10 free throws. Blanchard added 11 points and recorded five assists. Irwin contributed eight points and collected five rebounds. Schultz tallied three points and made two steals.

Kamin led with 15 points, converting 7 of 8 free throws, and added eight assists and two steals. Vanstee contributed 26 points, hitting 10 of 15 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and grabbed seven rebounds. Anderson scored 11 points, making 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, and recorded four assists. Bisballe was perfect from the field with 10 points on 5 of 5 shooting, while also adding two blocks and three steals.

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Saturday (Jan. 24) as they host Lake Superior State in league play at 1 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena, continuing a six-game homestand.