Holland Reporter

The GVSU women's basketball team, ranked third, secured their second consecutive victory against a ranked opponent by defeating the eighth-ranked Union with a score of 86-60. This win concluded a flawless 3-0 start to their season, following victories over Findlay and sixth-ranked MSUB in the previous days.

The Lakers experienced their first deficit of the season when Union's Bulldogs scored an early three-pointer. However, this was short-lived as Abrie Cabana quickly responded with a three-pointer to tie the game. Hadley Miller followed with another three-pointer, giving the Lakers a lead they maintained throughout the match. The Lakers' strong outside shooting continued through the first quarter, leading to a 31-18 advantage.

Union managed to reduce GVSU's lead to eight points early in the second quarter before Ellie Droste's three-pointer initiated a 7-0 run for GVSU, extending their lead to 15 points at 40-25. Union countered with a 10-0 run, narrowing their deficit to five points just before halftime. MacKenzie Bisballe ended this run with a layup, resulting in a halftime score of 42-35.

In the third quarter, Rylie Bisballe helped increase GVSU's lead back into double figures with five quick points. The Lakers continued to extend their lead throughout the quarter; Molly Anderson and Ellie Droste each contributed key three-pointers that put GVSU ahead by 17 points at 59-42 by the end of the frame.

Early in the fourth quarter, Lexi Plitzuweit scored through contact and converted her free throw attempt, pushing GVSU's lead above 20 points. Although Union responded with a nine-point run reducing their deficit to 13 points midway through the final period, Plitzuweit halted it with another three-pointer followed by an and-one play from Rylie Bisballe making it 74-55. The Lakers sealed their victory by hitting six free throws while Maya White scored her first collegiate points.

Ellie Droste led all scorers with eighteen points including four successful three-pointers while Rylie Bisballe added sixteen points along with four rebounds and three steals. MacKenzie Bisballe contributed thirteen points alongside six rebounds whereas Lexi Plitzuweit topped her team’s rebounding efforts collecting seven boards paired alongside six additional scoring contributions from herself too! Notably winning out-rebounding battle against opponents achieving forty-three total grabs compared thirty-three respective Bulldog efforts plus forcing eighteen turnovers further aided Laker success during contest itself overall ultimately speaking here today now finally wrapping up coverage accordingly thereafter henceforth indeed thus far likewise subsequently forthwith conclusively!