Ferris State Advances To GLIAC Tourney Semifinals With Home Win

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University women's basketball squad advanced to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament Semifinals with an 82-74 victory over Parkside in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday (March 4) night inside Jim Wink Arena.

With the win, the third-seeded Bulldogs advanced to the semifinals and will face second-seeded Wayne State on Saturday (March 7) at 4:30 p.m. (ET) in Allendale.

The Bulldogs utilized a strong defensive effort resulting in 13 steals in the win. Ferris State's largest lead reached 14 points late in the fourth quarter, emphasizing its control throughout the game.

FSU opened the game with strong three-point shooting, as senior Mia Riley hit a three-pointer at 8:55, assisted by fellow senior Mya Hiram, giving the Bulldogs an early lead. Senior Emma Schierbeek followed with another three-pointer at 8:13, extending the home team's lead to 6-0. However, the Rangers responded with a layup from Cassidy Arni at 7:57 to put them on the board. The visiting team eventually took the lead with a three-pointer by Arni at 3:35, making it 15-12. Despite a late jumper from FSU's Mara Mitchell, Parkside ended the first quarter ahead, 19-16, with Peighton Nelson contributing crucial points.

In the second quarter, Ferris State narrowed the gap against Parkside, outscoring the visitors 20-18. Hiram contributed significantly with a layup at 8:39 and a three-pointer at 7:17, closing in on Parkside's early lead. The Rangers' Lillie Petersen hit a three-pointer at 8:06, maintaining their advantage. As the quarter progressed, Riley added a layup at 3:29 and nailed two crucial free throws with 34 seconds left. Despite a strong push by the Bulldogs, Parkside held a narrow 37-36 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring Parkside 22-14. Riley initiated the Bulldogs' lead with two free throws at the 9:10 mark, making it 38-37. Following a brief exchange of baskets, Petersen scored a layup to narrow the gap to 43-42. However, the Bulldogs responded with back-to-back baskets from senior Kadyn Blanchard and a three-pointer from senior Elle Irwin, extending their advantage. Riley's two free throws with six seconds remaining capped off the quarter, pushing the lead to 58-51.

In the final quarter, FSU maintained its lead to secure an 82-74 victory over the Rangers. Nelson of Parkside opened the scoring with a jumper, but the Bulldogs quickly responded with a layup by Hiram, assisted by Irwin, at 9:37. Irwin then contributed a three-pointer at 9:15, increasing the lead to 63-55. Ferris State's defense was strong, with Hiram collecting multiple rebounds and scoring consistently, including a layup at 4:38 to push the score to 72-62. UWP attempted a late comeback, with Petersen scoring a layup in the final seconds, but Ferris State's consistent scoring secured their win.

Blanchard led the Bulldogs with 22 points and collected 11 rebounds, including 10 defensive boards. Hiram also contributed 22 points, adding 11 rebounds and one block. Irwin recorded 12 points, hitting four 3-pointers, while also securing four steals and dishing out five assists. Riley scored 14 points and provided six assists, converting 7 of 8 free throws.

Petersen led the Rangers with 22 points, making 8 of 15 field goals, including two 3-pointers, and recorded 11 rebounds. Katie Hamill contributed a double-double, scoring 14 points and securing 10 rebounds. Nelson added 12 points and dished out four assists. Jaelyn Derlein facilitated the offense with five assists, despite a challenging shooting night. Arni chipped in with 11 points and one block, showcasing efficiency by making 5 of her 7 field goal attempts.

The win was FSU's third this campaign over the Rangers. With the victory, Ferris State improved to 25-5 overall this season.

Ferris State will play the second semifinal game on Saturday as top-seeded host Grand Valley State will face fourth-seeded Northern Michigan in the first semifinal at 2 p.m. (ET) inside the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The semifinal winners will meet in the title game on Sunday (March 8) at 3 p.m. (ET).