Holland Reporter

PITTSBURGH, PENN. — The GVSU women's basketball team has won the National Championship for the second time in the program's history. Facing California State-Dominguez Hills, the Lakers clinched the title with a 70-58 victory, marking their first championship win since the 2005-06 season.

The Lakers' season ended with an impressive record of 38-2, setting the highest number of victories in a single season for the program. They claimed the GLIAC regular season and tournament championships, followed by the Midwest Regional title. Notably, 37 victories were by double-digit margins, and they led nationally with a scoring margin of 30.3.

In the championship game, the CSUDH press initially challenged the Lakers, establishing a 7-2 lead within the first four minutes. However, GVSU regained control with a decisive 7-0 run, with Ellie Droste contributing the first five points, shifting the lead to 9-7. The game remained competitive in the early stages, but GVSU pulled ahead with a strong finish to the first quarter, leading 17-12.

Their momentum continued into the second quarter as the Lakers extended their lead with a 9-1 run to 26-13. The advantage remained in double digits, increasing to 38-19 before halftime, with CSUDH narrowing it slightly to 38-21.

GVSU began the second half with a 9-0 run, extending their lead to 47-21. While the Toros reduced the deficit with a 17-6 run, the third quarter ended with them trailing 53-38. In the final quarter, the Toros cut the Laker lead to 12 points, but key plays, including free throws by Paige Vanstee and a three-pointer from Rylie Bisballe, restored a 17-point lead. Despite a 13-6 run by the Toros, clutch free throws by Ellie Droste and Abrie Cabana secured the victory.

Rylie Bisballe, who was named the tournament MVP, contributed 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. MacKenzie Bisballe, part of the All-Tournament Team, led the team with 14 points, along with four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Ellie Droste added 11 points, while Paige Vanstee scored eight points. Nicole Kamin also made the All-Tournament team, recording six rebounds, three assists, three points, and two steals.

The win caps the careers of the graduating senior class, including Rylie Bisballe, Hadley Miller, Ellie Droste, Abrie Cabana, and Kathryn Schmidt, with 145 total wins. They have been integral in securing four GLIAC regular season titles, three GLIAC tournament titles, two Midwest Regional Championships, and a National Championship.