ALLENDALE, MICH. – Basketball season is officially here, as the GVSU women's basketball team begins their season this weekend, as the Lakers welcome in Missouri-St. Louis and Maryville to kick off the 2023-24 campaign.
 
UMSL: Live Stats | Video | 2:00
Maryville: Live Stats | Video | 1:00
 
Before Friday's game against UMSL, the Lakers will celebrate Senior Day, as Joslyn Brennan and Courtney Sharland will be honored for all that they have done for the program. They have been a part of 104 victories, winning two GLIAC regular season titles, one GLIAC Tournament title, and made the NCAA tournament four times.
 
The Lakers were voted third in the preseason WBCA national poll, as they come off a season in which they were 31-3 and won the GLIAC regular season and conference tournament titles. They will be bringing back three All-GLIAC performers from a year ago, as first team member Ellie Droste, second team and all-defensive team member Rylie Bisballe, and another member of the all-defensive team Hadley Miller all return to Allendale. Also returning are starter Nicole Kamin, and three key reserves in Abrie Cabana, Paige Vanstee, and Lexi Plitzuweit. The Lakers have won 11 consecutive season openers, dating back to 2011-12.
 
GVSU played both teams last year to begin the season, as they matched up down in St. Louis. The Lakers defeated UMSL 81-55, then turned around and beat Maryville 78-57, as they began the season 2-0.  
 
The Tritons were 9-17 a season ago, but they return six players from that squad, led by three All-GLVC players. First team member Jalysa Stokes is the leading scorer from last year, averaging 17.4 points per game and 3.4 rebounds on 41% shooting. The other two main returners are Morgan Ramthun and Amaya Blake. Ramthun averaged 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, while Blake had 11 points and made 36.1% of her three-pointers.
 
In the final game of the opening weekend, Maryville comes to Allendale. After a season in which they were 15-13, the Saints return their top three scorers from a season ago. The top scorer is Antoinette Mussorici, who had 14.7 points and 4.5 rebounds. Also back are Carsyn Fearday (13 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Haidyn Pitsch (13 ppg, 4.2 rpg).
 
How to Follow
Both games this weekend will have live stats and live video, and Friday's game will be available to listen on the radio as well. For full coverage of the game, including live in-game updates, follow @gvsuwbb on Twitter and visit gvsulakers.com.