Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) women's basketball team extended their winning streak to ten games with a decisive victory over Northern Michigan University (NMU). The game, held in Marquette, saw the Lakers take an early lead and maintain it throughout, ultimately securing a 74-48 win. This victory brings GVSU's record to 21-1 overall and 11-0 in league play.

Kathryn Schmidt initiated the scoring for the Lakers with a three-pointer on their first possession, followed by another shortly after, giving GVSU an early advantage of 6-2. Paige Vanstee contributed significantly in the first quarter, scoring five points around a Wildcat three-pointer to push the score to 13-8. Her efforts sparked an 11-2 run that concluded the quarter with GVSU leading 22-10.

In the second quarter, both teams exchanged baskets consistently. Despite NMU narrowing their deficit to eight points early in the period, MacKenzie Bisballe's successful layup and free throw triggered an 8-0 run for GVSU, extending their lead to 30-14. By halftime, NMU trailed by double digits at 42-29.

Defense was key in the third quarter as both teams scored only nine points each. Schmidt and Rylie Bisballe accounted for all of GVSU's points during this period, allowing them to enter the fourth quarter with a lead of 51-38.

The final quarter saw Vanstee score five consecutive points for GVSU. Nicole Kamin and Rylie Bisballe then added back-to-back three-pointers, widening the gap to a 20-point lead at 62-42. Avery Zeinstra and Rylie Bisballe further extended the lead with additional three-pointers as part of a strong offensive performance that yielded 23 points in this period.

Paige Vanstee led GVSU with a season-high of 20 points, shooting an impressive seven out of eight from the field and hitting three three-pointers. Rylie Bisballe contributed with 18 points along with seven rebounds and four assists. Nicole Kamin added 12 points while leading her team with eight rebounds; she also recorded six steals and five assists. Kathryn Schmidt finished with eleven points after making three triples.

Looking ahead, GVSU will remain in northern Michigan as they prepare for their next game against Michigan Tech in Houghton on Saturday at noon.