Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) women's basketball team, known as the Sawyers for their annual fauxback game, secured a decisive victory against Purdue Northwest on Saturday. The Sawyers triumphed with a 106-47 win, marking their 20th victory of the season and 10th in GLIAC play.

Initially trailing 7-6 four minutes into the game, GVSU's offense quickly gained momentum. MacKenzie Bisballe initiated a 15-2 run with a three-pointer, ending the first quarter with GVSU leading 21-9. Bisballe and Paige Vanstee contributed significantly to extending the lead in the second quarter, which saw GVSU ahead by more than 30 points at halftime with a score of 56-19.

In the third quarter, both teams exchanged baskets until another Sawyer run increased their lead to 83-36 by its end. GVSU further extended their advantage in the final quarter, surpassing 100 points for the fourth time this season.

MacKenzie Bisballe led GVSU's scoring efforts with 18 points and added four rebounds and three blocks. Her sister Rylie Bisballe achieved her second double-double of the season with 14 points and ten rebounds. Other notable contributions came from Kathryn Schmidt with 13 points and five assists, Avery Zeinstra with 12 points and five steals, Paige Vanstee adding 12 points and eight rebounds, and Ellie Droste contributing ten points.

The Sawyers forced Purdue Northwest into committing 27 turnovers while securing a rebounding advantage of 50-29. As a team, they scored an impressive total of 58 points in the paint and distributed 28 assists.

Looking ahead, Grand Valley State will travel to Michigan's Upper Peninsula next week to face Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech as part of their GLIAC schedule.