MARQUETTE, Mich. – The #6 ranked Grand Valley State women's basketball team overcame a slow start to earn a 53-38 win over Northern Michigan on the road Thursday night at the Berry Events Center. The Lakers have clinched the number two seed in the GLIAC Tournament after the win and improve to 24-2 overall and 16-2 in conference play.
 
Senior center Cassidy Boensch, who finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, became the all-time leading shot blocker in program history with her 275th career block in the first quarter, surpassing 2017 GVSU Hall of Fame inductee, Julie Zeeff. The Au. Gres, Mich. native also moved into second all-time in career-rebounds tonight, leaping Marie Thomas (934 rebounds). Kim Hansen currently holds the GVSU record at 1,382 rebounds.
 
Senior guard Victoria Hedemark had a team-high 15 points and eight rebounds, while senior forward Maddie Dailey added 10 points and eight rebounds as the Lakers had three players score in double-figures. As a team, the Lakers defense put together a strong performance, holding Northern Michigan to just 26.9% shooting from the field and a 28.6% mark from three-point range. GVSU dominated points in the paint (34-20) and outrebounded the Wildcats 37-30.
 
In the first quarter, Northern Michigan came out trading baskets with the Lakers and took a 9-8 lead midway through the frame. The Wildcats increased their margin on a pair of free throws before the first buzzer sounded and led 13-10. The lead did not last long however as GVSU quickly went on a 16-0 run to begin the second quarter. The Lakers would outscore NMU 20-2 in the quarter and take a 30-15 lead into the break.
 
Northern Michigan cut their deficit to 13 points in the third quarter and briefly 12 points in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough, the Lakers cruised to a victory down the stretch and overcame the 56-43 loss last season in Marquette.
 
GVSU will travel to Houghton, Mich. to play Michigan Tech on Saturday (Feb. 22) with the tip set for 1:00 PM.