The Grand Valley State women's basketball team kicked off their 2021-22 season with a win at home over Missouri-St.Louis. The Lakers defeated the Tritons in a 61-54 victory giving them a 1-0 start to the season.
After shooting 50% in the first quarter, the Lakers were able to finish the first quarter with a 15-13 lead. Defensively, the Lakers were able to hold the Tritons to 0-8 from three and 37.5% from the floor. Moving the ball well against the UMSL defense, GVSU shot 40% from behind the arc in the first half with two of the Lakers' four three pointers coming from senior Emily Spitzley. Spitzley led all scorers at halftime with 11 points, giving GVSU a 34-27 lead heading into the second half.
The Lakers struggled to keep the Tritons off of the glass, as they gave up 17 offensive rebounds to UMSL. After UMSL brought the game within one point in the third (34-33), GVSU was able to maintain the lead 46-42 heading into the fourth quarter. Both teams broke even in the second half as GVSU lost the third quarter 15-12, but won the fourth quarter 15-12.
The Lakers finished the game shooting 46.5% from the floor, 37.5% from three, and 62.5% from the free throw line. GVSU lost the rebounding battle tonight as they finished with 32 rebounds compared to the Tritons' 38 boards. Emily Spitzley led the Lakers with 20 points and six rebounds, followed by sophomore Rylie Bisballe who finished with 11 points and four rebounds. Junior Courtney Sharland also tallied six rebounds for the Lakers.
The Lakers are back in action at home tomorrow against Maryville at 4:00 p.m.
