DETROIT, MICH. – The top-ranked GVSU women's basketball team finished off the opening weekend of GLIAC play with their ninth victory of the season, defeating Wayne State 80-59.
 
The two teams traded baskets to open the contest, with Wayne State holding a 10-8 lead. Ellie Droste put the Lakers back in front with her first three of the day, up 11-10. The Warriors came back to retake the lead at 15-13. Over the final 4:14 of the quarter, the Lakers went on a 12-2 run to lead 25-17 after 10 minutes.
 
Wayne State went on a 7-0 run to begin the second quarter and get their deficit within one point. It stayed a one-point game, with GVSU up 29-28, but once again they went on a late run to increase their lead. This time, they ended the half with a 13-6 run, going up 42-34 at the break.
 
After swapping points to open the second half, the Lakers went on a 9-0 run, started by another Droste triple, that increased their lead to 55-40. The lead continued to grow, getting to 18 at the end of the period, with Grand Valley State leading 64-46.
 
The lead reached 20 points midway through the final quarter, following two Lexi Plitzuweit two free throws, making it 73-53. The Lakers led by as much as 23 points but ended up coming away with the 21-point victory, their nine double-digit win of the year.
 
Rylie Bisballe recorded her ninth game in double figures this season, tallying 15 points. MacKenzie Bisballe scored 12 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. Nicole Kamin had 10 points and five boards, while Ellie Droste hit three triples to finish at nine points.
 
Up Next
The Lakers stay on the road next weekend, closing out their nonconference schedule with games against Quincy, Drury, and Ohio State.