Holland Reporter

GVSU women's basketball team achieved a significant milestone as head coach Mike Williams became the program's winningest coach. The Lakers clinched their third consecutive GLIAC title with a 74-67 overtime victory against Northern Michigan, marking another achievement for the team. Rylie Bisballe also reached her 1,000th career point during this game.

Williams secured his 234th win, surpassing former coach Pat Baker Grzyb who led from 1978 to 1995. Williams' nine-season record now stands at 234-46, reflecting a .836 winning percentage. Earlier this season, he celebrated his 400th career coaching victory in a game against Purdue Northwest.

The match began with GVSU taking an early lead of 9-4 before NMU responded with a run to end the first quarter ahead at 10-9. In the second quarter, both teams exchanged leads until GVSU held a narrow advantage of 29-27 at halftime.

Rylie Bisballe and Hadley Miller dominated the third quarter for GVSU by scoring all of their team's points in that period. Bisballe's buzzer-beating three-pointer pushed her past the milestone of 1,000 career points and gave GVSU a lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Despite securing their largest lead at one point in the final period, NMU fought back to force overtime after tying the game late. In overtime, GVSU took control with contributions from Bisballe and Lexi Plitzuweit to seal their victory and secure another conference title.

This latest triumph marks GVSU's longest streak since winning five straight titles from the mid-to-late '70s and ensures they will host the GLIAC Tournament while still competing.

Bisballe delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a personal best of 28 points along with eight rebounds. Hadley Miller added four three-pointers contributing to her total of twelve points and six rebounds while Abrie Cabana contributed nine points and five assists.

Looking ahead, GVSU will close out their regular season against Michigan Tech on Saturday with tip-off scheduled for noon.