#19 Ferris State Caps Unbeaten Week With Home Win Over SVSU

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The nationally 19th-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad capped off a big week, beating Saginaw Valley State 89-67 on Monday (Jan. 26) night inside Jim Wink Arena.

The win came on the heels of Saturday's triumph over Lake Superior State as FSU moved into a second-place tie near the top of the GLIAC standings, capitalizing on a season-high 22 steals and a 51-point second half. This victory also marked the second consecutive game in which Ferris State scored at least 89 points.

The first quarter of play began with Ferris State establishing an early lead, thanks to senior Mia Riley's three-pointer, assisted by Kadyn Blanchard, at 9:54. Blanchard continued to contribute offensively with a three-pointer of her own just moments later. Saginaw Valley State responded with a layup from Lauren Borsenik at 8:27 but struggled with turnovers, committing 17 in the quarter. Senior Emma Schierbeek's three-pointer at 3:17 helped the Bulldogs maintain their advantage. SVSU managed a three-point play with Megan McCalla's layup and free throw with 59 seconds left, but Ferris State ended the quarter ahead, 23-17, after a last-second layup by Blanchard.

FSU maintained a steady lead throughout the second quarter, beginning with Mara Mitchell's jumper at 9:45, assisted by Riley, to extend their advantage. The Cardinals attempted a comeback with a three-pointer from McCalla at 9:30, narrowing the gap to five points. However, a scoring surge by senior Mya Hiram, who contributed five points including a layup at 5:54, kept the Bulldogs in control. Despite the Cardinals' efforts, including a layup by Emma Dziezgowski with 12 seconds remaining, Ferris State finished the quarter leading 38-29. The team also achieved a milestone of at least 14 free throw attempts in three consecutive games.

The Bulldogs dominated the third quarter, expanding their lead over Saginaw Valley. Hiram initiated the scoring with a put back at 9:43, pushing the Bulldogs ahead. Schierbeek contributed significantly with a three-pointer and a pair of free throws, marking crucial moments at 8:23 and 5:04. Blanchard was pivotal, adding a layup and a jumper, as well as converting two free throws with 20 seconds left, to maintain the Bulldogs' strong position. The quarter ended with Ferris State outscoring the Cardinals 27-13.

FSU maintained a strong lead throughout the fourth quarter, ultimately securing an 89-67 victory over Saginaw Valley. Schierbeek was instrumental for the Bulldogs, contributing a series of key plays including a three-pointer at 8:00 and a fast-break layup at 6:41, adding to her team's scoring momentum. Saginaw Valley's Elizabeth Stuart delivered a notable performance with multiple three-pointers, including one at 1:26, but it was not enough to close the gap. The Bulldogs' defense held firm, highlighted by Grace Lyons' block in the final minute, preserving their substantial lead to the final buzzer. Throughout the game, Ferris State achieved a season-high of 27 assists, demonstrating their effective ball movement. Notably, the team attempted a season-high 81 field goals during the game.

Schierbeek led the team with a career-high and season-high 29 points, converting 7 of 14 from beyond the arc and making all four free throws. Blanchard added 22 points and 9 rebounds, while also dishing out 6 assists. Mitchell contributed with 10 points and recorded 3 steals, showcasing her defensive effort. Charlotte Miller facilitated the offense with 5 assists and added 2 steals. The Bulldogs also continued their streak of collecting at least 20 defensive rebounds in 15 consecutive games.

McCalla led the Cardinals with 12 points, connecting on 4 of 10 field attempts and sinking all three free throws. She also contributed defensively with two steals. Lydia Meredith showcased her playmaking ability by dishing out six assists and adding eight rebounds, including six on the defensive end. Borsenik contributed 14 points, hitting 4 of 8 from the field and converting all five free throws. Stuart made a significant impact from behind the arc, scoring 13 points, including three 3-pointers in the second quarter. Laynie Meredith was active defensively, recording three steals while adding two assists.

The Bulldogs, now 15-4 overall and 7-2 in the GLIAC, will host Wayne State on Saturday (Jan. 31) with tipoff set for 1 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena.

**Game Notes:**
- Ferris State achieved a season-high of 27 assists in the game.
- The Bulldogs recorded a season-high of 81 field goal attempts.
- The team scored at least 89 total points for the second consecutive game.
- Ferris State totaled a season-high of 22 steals.
- Emma Schierbeek achieved a career-high total of 29 points, which was also her season-high.