Holland Reporter

The GVSU women's basketball team is set to begin their season at the D2CCA Tip Off at the Trailhead tournament in Montana. The Lakers will face Findlay, Montana State Billings, and Union over a three-day event.

GVSU comes off a successful previous season with a 31-3 record, winning both the GLIAC regular season and tournament championships. Head coach Mike Williams returns with nearly the entire rotation from last year, along with six freshmen and a graduate transfer. Leading the team is All-American Rylie Bisballe, who averaged over 13 points and seven rebounds last season. Other returning players include All-GLIAC selections Nicole Kamin, Paige Vanstee, Hadley Miller, as well as starters Abrie Cabana, Lexi Plitzuweit, and Ellie Droste. The Lakers were selected first in the GLIAC preseason poll and third in the WBCA national poll.

The Lakers will meet Findlay for the fourth consecutive season. GVSU has won all three previous encounters, including a close 58-53 victory last year at Findlay. The Oilers return top scorers Kate Ellie and Alyssa Ziehler from last season and were picked to finish third in their league's preseason poll.

On Saturday, GVSU will play against host Montana State Billings. The Yellowjackets finished last year with a 28-7 record and were picked sixth in the WBCA preseason poll after winning the GNAC regular-season title. This will be the first meeting between these two teams.

In their final game of the tournament, GVSU faces number eight Union. The Bulldogs had a 29-4 record last season but faced an upset in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Key players include sisters Olivia and Macey Lee, with Union adding three Division I transfers this offseason.

All games can be followed via live stats and live stream on social media @gvsuwbb or online at GVSUlakers.com.