Strong Defensive Performance Lifts #17 Bulldogs To Decisive Road Win In Upper Peninsula

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The nationally 17th-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad used a strong defensive performance to handle Lake Superior State, 75-43, on Monday (Feb. 16) night at Bud Cooper Gymnasium in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Bulldogs capitalized with a 27-point advantage from turnovers. FSU led throughout, dominating the Lakers in fast-break points, 28-4.

Ferris State established an early lead with a strong performance in the first quarter, finishing with a 24-9 advantage over LSSU. Senior Mia Riley contributed significantly, sinking two free throws and completing a three-point play with 7:09 remaining. Fellow senior Kadyn Blanchard was instrumental, registering multiple steals and scoring a fast-break layup at the 54-second mark, followed by a successful free throw. Grace Bradford scored a late layup for the Lakers, but FSU maintained control with efficient shooting and solid defense, forcing six turnovers.

Riley spearheaded Ferris State's scoring efforts in the second quarter with a significant contribution, including a fast-break three-pointer at 8:51, a jumper at 3:10, and a layup at 2:50, contributing to Ferris State's 10 points in the quarter. The Lakers' Makenna Clement opened the quarter with a layup, and Lara Aguzzi followed with a three-pointer to keep the home team competitive. Despite the Lakers' Bradford and Dara Capaldi adding critical points, the Bulldogs maintained its lead. The quarter concluded with Capaldi's layup at 15 seconds, narrowing the gap but leaving the Lakers trailing at 34-20.

Ferris State extended its lead in the third quarter, fueled by a strong performance from Riley, who contributed multiple layups, including one at 8:03 to push the score to 38-20. Riley also added a key assist to senior Mya Hiram's fast-break layup at 7:32, increasing the advantage. The Lakers struggled with turnovers, committing six in the quarter, which Ferris State capitalized on. Despite a three-pointer from Aguzzi, the Lakers trailed 50-32 by the end of the quarter. FSU's defense remained solid, with two blocks and three steals contributing to its 18-12 third-quarter scoring advantage.

The Bulldogs dominated the final quarter to secure a decisive victory over the Lakers. The period began with Riley sinking a three-pointer at 9:24, extending Ferris State's lead. Riley continued to contribute significantly, hitting multiple free throws and assisting on key plays. The Lakers struggled offensively, shooting just 2-for-14 from the field. Freshman Melena Glysch sealed the win with a fast-break three-pointer at 1:43, capping off Ferris State's 23-point quarter to the Lakers' 11.

Riley scored 31 points, collected 11 rebounds, and added four assists. Blanchard contributed 15 points and recorded six steals. Hiram finished with eight points and one block. Freshman Charlotte Miller added two points and tallied two assists.

Capaldi led the Lakers with 11 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field, and added eight rebounds and three assists. Aguzzi also contributed 11 points, highlighting her performance with three 3-pointers made on seven attempts. Bradford was a force on the boards, securing 12 rebounds, including nine defensive, and added 10 points and a block.

The Bulldogs will return back home for their final two home games of the regular season at Jim Wink Arena. FSU will host Northern Michigan on Saturday (Feb. 21) at 1 p.m. (ET) before facing Michigan Tech on Monday (Feb. 23) at 5:30 p.m. (ET).