#16 Ferris State Earns 10th-Straight Win With Strong Defensive Effort Against Michigan Tech

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nation's 16th-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad claimed its 10th consecutive win as FSU wrapped up its regular-season home slate with a 62-45 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) win over visiting Michigan Tech on Monday (Feb. 23) evening inside Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs improved to 23-4 overall this year and remained a game within the lead in the GLIAC, improving to 16-2 overall after coming away with a strong defensive performance. FSU came up with 16 steals in the triumph as the Huskies finished with 24 turnovers, leading to a 31-4 Bulldog edge in points off turnovers.

This victory also marked the 10th consecutive game win which the Bulldogs achieved at least 62 total points, showcasing their consistent offensive prowess this season.

Ferris State started the opening quarter strong with senior Mia Riley scoring the first points on a jumper at 8:56. Senior Mya Hiram extended the lead with a three-pointer at 7:29, assisted by Riley. Michigan Tech's Dani Nuest responded with a layup at 6:35, but the Bulldogs maintained their lead. Senior Kadyn Blanchard contributed significantly, hitting a three-pointer at 1:30 and assisting senior Emma Schierbeek's three-pointer with just six seconds remaining. FSU finished the quarter ahead 14-7, capitalizing on turnovers and strong defensive plays.

The Bulldogs maintained their lead throughout the second quarter, despite the Huskies' efforts to close the gap. Maja Kozlowska opened the scoring for MTU with a layup at 9:04, but Ferris State responded with a jumper from Hiram at 6:40 to widen the lead. Schierbeek contributed significantly with two three-pointers, including a fast-break shot at 5:16, keeping FSU ahead. A late three-pointer from Mara Mitchell, assisted by Blanchard with 22 seconds to go, secured a 28-21 lead by quarter's end. Both teams scored 14 points in the quarter, leaving Ferris State ahead by seven at the break.

In the third quarter, FSU capitalized on Michigan Tech's turnovers, leading to a decisive 19-8 scoring advantage. Hiram initiated the scoring with a layup at 9:06, aided by an assist from Schierbeek. Blanchard contributed significantly, scoring a jumper and a three-pointer, extending Ferris State's lead. Michigan Tech struggled offensively, with Soraya Timms' three-pointer at 5:14 being one of its few successful plays. Ferris State's defense was solid, highlighted by senior Elle Irwin's block and Hiram's timely steals, which helped maintain their commanding lead.

The Bulldogs kept the lead throughout the fourth quarter despite a late push by the Huskies. Kendall Standfest scored early in the quarter with a layup to cut into the margin, and free throws from Kloe Zentkowski and Alyssa Wypych further narrowed the gap. Blanchard countered with a layup and a free throw at 4:45, extending the Bulldogs' advantage. Schierbeek then hit a crucial three-pointer with 3:35 remaining, followed by Blanchard's additional three-pointer at the 3:00 mark to solidify the lead. Michigan Tech attempted to respond with a layup from Isabella Hanna in the final moments, but Ferris State held on to secure the victory.

Blanchard scored 20 points and collected eight rebounds while adding six steals to her performance. Schierbeek contributed 16 points, including four 3-pointers, and made all four of her free-throw attempts. Hiram posted 14 points and recorded five assists, along with four steals. Riley secured 11 rebounds and added six points with three steals.

Wypych led the Huskies with 11 points, hitting 5 of 5 from the free-throw line and pulling down nine rebounds. Timms contributed nine points and recorded two steals, while Standfest secured a double-double with 10 rebounds and eight points. Nuest added seven points and three assists, making a three-pointer.

The Bulldogs will play their final two games of the regular season on the road later this week, starting with a Thursday (Feb. 26) night showdown at defending national champion and rival Grand Valley State with first-place on the line at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena in Allendale. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (ET). FSU then closes the regular season on Saturday (Feb. 28) afternoon at Davenport.