Holland Reporter

The GVSU women's basketball team emerged victorious against Northern Michigan in a closely contested game on Saturday afternoon. The match, held at the Fieldhouse in Allendale, saw the Lakers winning 81-71, maintaining their unbeaten record in the GLIAC and improving to 14-1 overall.

Northern Michigan initiated the scoring with an early three-pointer. However, the Lakers quickly responded with four consecutive points to take an early lead. Hadley Miller helped regain the lead for GVSU with a triple after Northern Michigan briefly went ahead. Both teams exchanged three-pointers during a tied score at 11, with contributions from Abrie Cabana and Avery Zeinstra for GVSU. Despite NMU's 7-0 run leading them to a 23-19 advantage, Rylie Bisballe ended it with her own three-pointer, concluding the first quarter with Northern Michigan ahead by one point.

GVSU began the second quarter strong, reclaiming the lead. A subsequent 12-2 run expanded their advantage to 38-29 midway through the period. Contributions from Nicole Kamin and Lexi Plitzuweit ensured that GVSU led 46-38 at halftime.

Plitzuweit further increased the Lakers' lead early in the second half with another three-pointer. Although NMU reduced their deficit to four points later in the period, GVSU countered with a decisive 5-0 run initiated by Nicole Kamin and finished by Rylie Bisballe's layup, giving them a one-point lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, GVSU extended their lead to double digits early on and maintained it throughout. The team led by as many as 16 points before securing a ten-point victory with strategic free throws in the closing moments.

Rylie Bisballe delivered an outstanding performance, achieving her first double-double of the season with a season-high of 22 points and 11 rebounds. She also contributed four assists and one steal. Nicole Kamin added 12 points alongside eight successful free throws and four rebounds. Lexi Plitzuweit scored ten points while MacKenzie Bisballe contributed nine points and four rebounds.

The Lakers are set to continue their season on the road next weekend, facing Ferris State on Thursday followed by Lake Superior State on Saturday.