ALLENDALE, MICH. – The top-ranked GVSU women's basketball team returns to action Saturday afternoon for their final game before the new year. The Lakers will welcome in Rochester for a 2:00 game in the Fieldhouse.
 
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The Lakers moved into the top spot in the WBCA poll in the last ranking before Christmas. This is the second consecutive year they have held the top spot, as they were ranked first for six weeks last season. They earned 16 first-place votes to jump up from the second spot into the top. The Lakers improved to 9-1 on the season after defeating Tiffin and Thomas More before the break.
 
GVSU took down Tiffin 84-42 behind 15 points from Ellie Droste and 14 more from Abrie Cabana. They then turned around two days later to defeat Thomas More 85-36, as they shot over 50% from the floor. Droste scored 17 points, Ava Scanlon recorded a career-high 15 points. Cabana and Avery Zeinstra added 11 points each and Lexi Plitzuweit had 10 points and eight rebounds. GVSU has outrebounded their opponents in their previous nine games and have a rebound margin of above 12.
 
NAIA opponent Rochester is 7-5, winners of three in a row. The Warriors average 73.9 points per game, shooting 42% from the field and 35.1% from deep. RU has two players averaging double-figures, led by wing Jacey Somers scoring 15 a game. Guard Celeste Mershimer scoring 13.8 per contest. Both players are shooting over 40% from both the field and from three-point range. Melanie Moore is grabbing 7.7 rebounds to lead the squad, and the Warriors are getting 37 boards a game.
 
How to Follow
Saturday's game will have live stats, live video, and they will be able to be heard on the radio as well. For full coverage of the game, including live in-game updates, follow @gvsuwbb on Twitter and visit gvsulakers.com.