ALLENDALE, MICH. – The GVSU women's basketball team began conference play tonight with a rivalry matchup against Davenport. After a slow start, the Lakers were able to pull away from the Panthers for a 66-44 win.
 
The Panthers got out to a 10-3 lead in the opening period just less than halfway through the 10 minute frame. Following that deficit, GVSU went on an 8-2 run to end the quarter, cutting it to DU leading just 12-11 heading into the second quarter.
 
GVSU opened on a 6-0 run to take the 17-12 lead, following baskets from Nicole Kamin, Ellie Droste, and Lexi Plitzuweit. A few minutes later, the Lakers were able to push the lead to 10 after layups from Megan Crow and Paige Vanstee. They would hold that double-digit lead heading into the break, up 30-20.
 
The lead grew to 17 early in the second half, forcing a Davenport timeout. Following that timeout, the Panthers cut their deficit down to nine points, using an 8-0 scoring run. The two teams traded buckets, and Droste hit a late three to give GVSU a 45-34 lead after three.
 
The Panthers got it down to 11 points, but they could never get any closer, as the Lakers were able to hit some shots in the final minutes to put the game away and pick up a win in the GLIAC opener.
 
Ellie Droste led all scorers with 15 points, while Rylie Bisballe once again had a near double-double, grabbing 14 rebounds and scoring nine points. Paige Vanstee also had nine points, with Nicole Kamin contributing seven points, six rebounds, and three assists. The Lakers forced 21 turnovers and outrebounded the Panthers by 16.
 
Up Next
The Lakers head out on the road next Friday, traveling down to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State at 6:00.