Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's women's basketball team started their season with a 73-59 win over West Texas A&M in St. Joseph, Missouri. This marks the ninth consecutive year that the Lakers have begun their season with a 2-0 record.

The game began with Grand Valley State taking an early lead, starting 5-0 after a layup from MacKenzie Bisballe and a three-pointer by Molly Anderson. Although West Texas A&M narrowed the score to 7-6, the Lakers responded with a 10-point run, including three-pointers from Bisballe and Ava Scanlon. Avery Zeinstra also contributed with a three-pointer late in the first quarter, giving GVSU a 22-14 advantage at the end of one period.

In the second quarter, Grand Valley State's lead extended to as much as 12 points before West Texas A&M cut it down to six. The Lakers quickly regained control by scoring six straight points and entered halftime ahead 43-31.

West Texas A&M opened the third quarter strong, going on a 13-5 run and reducing GVSU’s lead to four points. Lexi Plitzuweit halted their momentum with a layup, followed by an and-one play from Bisballe to restore a nine-point cushion for Grand Valley State heading into the fourth quarter.

The final period saw limited offense from both teams until West Texas A&M managed five points early on to make it 59-54. Scanlon answered for GVSU with four straight points. In the closing minutes, Grand Valley State finished on an eight-point run highlighted by Plitzuweit’s three-point play that secured the win.

Bisballe led all scorers with 18 points along with six rebounds and two steals. Scanlon added 15 points and four rebounds; Nicole Kamin had ten points, five rebounds, and three assists; Plitzuweit contributed nine points along with four rebounds and four assists; Paige VanStee recorded eight points and eight rebounds.

The Lakers will be off for two weeks before returning to action on September 15th at Walsh.