The Grand Valley State women's basketball team defeated Purdue Northwest on Thursday, Dec. 9 in a 73-49 win on the road in Hammond, Ind. The Lakers advance to 2-1 in the GLIAC and 7-1 overall. Due to the shortened GLIAC schedule last year, the Lakers and Pride did not play each other last season so this was the first GVSU and PNW match up since January of 2020. The Lakers now lead the overall series against the Pride 7-0. 

GVSU had a strong start offensively, shooting 56% from the floor and leading at the end of the first quarter 25-18. Defensively, the Lakers held PNW to just six points in the second quarter and forced the Pride to shoot 20% from the floor. The Lakers were able to extend their lead to 15 by halftime and were led by junior Courtney Sharland in the first half scoring 10 points for the Lakers. Sophomore Rylie Bisballe and senior Hannah Kulas each chipped in eight points a piece in the first half. 

Grand Valley State didn't slow down in the second half. The Lakers came out shooting 64% in the third while outscoring PNW 22-11. Starting the fourth quarter with a 23 point advantage, the Lakers and Pride were just one point shy of breaking even in the fourth and final quarter. GVSU outscored PNW 12-11 to give them a 73-49 victory over the Pride. 

The Lakers shot 50% from the floor and 39% from behind the arc, while absolutely dominating the glass 41-22. Sophomore Rylie Bisballe finished 7-9 on the night and led the Lakers with 14 points and seven rebounds. Senior Emily Spitzley and sophomore Ellie Droste led the Lakers with 14 points a piece as well, followed by Hannah Kulas and Courtney Sharland who finished with 10 points. 

The Lakers are back in action this Saturday in Kenosha, Wis. to compete against the Parkside Rangers with tip off set at 1:00 p.m. CST (2:00 p.m. EST).