Holland Reporter

The GVSU women's basketball team clinched the 2025 NCAA Midwest Regional Championship with a decisive 62-50 victory over Ashland. This win marks the third regional title under coach Mike Williams, propelling the Lakers to the Elite Eight in Pittsburgh next week.

The game began as a defensive contest, with only five points scored in the initial four and a half minutes. Ellie Droste's and-1 play put the Lakers ahead at 7-6 after trailing briefly. The Eagles tied it at nine before Rylie Bisballe's layup gave GVSU an 11-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.

After Ashland edged ahead 12-11, GVSU responded with an 8-0 run to take a commanding 19-12 lead, which they maintained throughout. A Bisballe steal and layup extended their advantage to 27-16 before Ashland closed the half on a 7-2 run, narrowing their deficit to six points at halftime.

In the third quarter, GVSU restored their double-digit lead at 36-26 and further increased it to 44-32 with two free throws from Bisballe. Entering the fourth quarter, Ashland was down by nine points at 46-37.

The Eagles reduced their deficit to five early in the final quarter, but MacKenzie Bisballe's layup and Paige Vanstee's three-pointer restored a ten-point cushion for GVSU. The Lakers maintained control from thereon, never allowing Ashland within seven points again. Droste secured victory by making five free throws in the last forty seconds.

Paige Vanstee earned Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors with her performance of 15 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Rylie Bisballe was named to the All-Tournament team for her contribution of ten points, four steals, and four rebounds. Ellie Droste added twelve points while MacKenzie Bisballe also contributed twelve points alongside seven rebounds. Nicole Kamin finished with ten points, six boards, three steals, and two blocks.

The Lakers now advance to next week's Elite Eight in Pittsburgh with matchups set to be announced later this week.