Early Start Lifts #2 Grand Valley State Over #13 FSU In Women's Basketball Showdown

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Allendale, Mich. - The nationally 13th-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad fell to #2 Grand Valley State by a 70-44 score in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play on Thursday (Feb. 26) night in Allendale.

The Bulldogs forced 14 turnovers in a showdown for first place in the league standings, but were unable to overcome the Lakers' 32 points in the paint and a strong opening start for GVSU.

The first quarter began with a quick start from Grand Valley State, as MacKenzie Bisballe scored a layup just 16 seconds into play, followed by a three-pointer, giving the home team an early advantage. Ferris State struggled initially but found some rhythm midway through the quarter, with senior Kadyn Blanchard contributing six points. Paige Vanstee of the Lakers extended their lead with a three-pointer at 7:06, making it 10-0 before the Bulldogs called a timeout. Mia Riley helped FSU close the gap with a jumper at 3:03, assisted by Blanchard, bringing the score to 19-10. Freshman Charlotte Miller hit a significant three-pointer at 1:05, reducing the deficit to 22-15 by the end of the quarter.

GVSU dominated the second quarter, outscoring Ferris State 17-7. Vanstee was instrumental for the Lakers, contributing with consecutive layups at 6:41 and 6:26, the latter coming off a fast break. Bisballe added to the lead with a layup at 5:39, extending the score to 33-15. Ferris State struggled offensively, managing only one field goal, a three-pointer from Blanchard at 2:35, while Riley made all four of her free-throw attempts in the final minute to slightly narrow the gap.

In the third quarter, the Lakers extended their lead with a strong performance, outscoring Ferris State 21-8. Vanstee's three-pointer at 9:36 set the tone early, giving Grand Valley State a 42-22 advantage. The Bulldogs couldn't keep pace offensively, shooting 3-of-19 from the field, with Riley contributing four points from free throws and a layup. Meanwhile, Nicole Kamin hit two key three-pointers for the Lakers, with her second extending the lead to 52-26 at the 4:00 mark. The home team capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to maintain control, culminating in Vanstee's layup with seven seconds left in the quarter.

Ferris State fought back in the fourth quarter, outscoring Grand Valley State 14-10, but ultimately fell short. Reese Gaytan initiated the scoring with a three-pointer for the Lakers at 8:42, increasing their lead. Ally Schultz made an impact for the Bulldogs, hitting a three-pointer at 5:50 and assisting on a layup by Alyssa Wirth at 2:33. Despite Ferris State's efforts, Grand Valley State maintained control, with Kelly Kray sealing the game with a jumper at 28 seconds remaining. The final quarter ended with a score of 70-44 in favor of GVSU.

Riley scored 16 points and recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Bulldogs' performance. Blanchard added nine points and collected two steals, showcasing defensive capabilities. Elle Irwin posted three steals and contributed three rebounds, providing steady defense. Miller made a 3-pointer and added another two points, finishing with a total of five points and two rebounds.

Bisballe led the Lakers with 18 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the field, and contributed defensively with two steals and a block. Kamin played a pivotal role, scoring 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and added five assists, three steals, and three blocks. Vanstee recorded a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, making six field goals and two 3-pointers. Ava Scanlon was efficient, hitting all four of her field goal attempts for eight points and also registering two steals.

The Bulldogs, who are now 23-5 overall, will close out GLAIC regular-season play on Saturday (Feb. 28) at Davenport with tipoff time set for 1 p.m. (ET) in Caledonia, Mich.