Holland Reporter

The GVSU women's basketball team concluded their 2024 season with a victory over Northwood in Midland, Michigan. The Lakers emerged victorious with a score of 76-45 after a competitive first quarter that saw seven lead changes. With this win, GVSU ends the year ranked number one nationally, holding a record of 12-1.

During the initial quarter, both teams exchanged leads multiple times. The Lakers managed to edge ahead by three points at one stage, but Northwood consistently kept pace. As the quarter ended, Paige Vanstee's layup gave GVSU a narrow 20-19 lead.

Northwood briefly regained control in the second quarter before Kathryn Schmidt's layup initiated an 18-3 run for GVSU. Nicole Kamin contributed with a three-pointer and Abrie Cabana added eight consecutive points, pushing the Lakers to a halftime lead of 40-26.

GVSU maintained momentum into the second half with an additional 10-3 run, extending their advantage to 50-29. Although Northwood reduced the deficit below 20 points temporarily, MacKenzie Bisballe's layup restored it above that margin and sparked an 8-0 run that concluded the third quarter at 65-39.

In the final quarter, Cabana scored her third three-pointer of the game as GVSU secured their victory by successfully converting free throws.

Abrie Cabana led all scorers with a career-high of 21 points on efficient shooting from the field and beyond the arc. Ellie Droste contributed 13 points while Nicole Kamin added nine points and eight rebounds. Rylie Bisballe recorded eight points and seven rebounds, complemented by Paige Vanstee’s six points and six boards. The Lakers dominated in rebounding (44-28) and forced Northwood into committing 18 turnovers.

Looking ahead, GVSU will resume GLIAC play in January against Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan at Allendale on January 2nd and January 4th.