ALLENDALE, MICH. – The GVSU women's basketball team began postseason play Wednesday night in the GLIAC Tournament quarterfinals, taking on Michigan Tech. The Lakers used a strong third quarter to pull away and advance with a 60-47 victory.
 
Michigan Tech scored the game's first four points, then continued to lead by four at 8-4. Rylie Bisballe hit a three to ignite a 10-4 scoring run, getting another three from Ellie Droste, to end the quarter, putting GVSU up 14-12.
 
The Huskies fought back to tie the game at 16, but Avery Zeinstra buried a third Laker three-point to retake the lead at 19-16. With the score tied at 20, The Lakers ended the half with an 8-1 scoring run, going up 28-21 at halftime.
 
The Lakers momentum continued into the start of the second half, beginning on a 6-0 run to push their lead up to 34-21. GVSU maintained their double-digit lead late into the third period, up 39-28, then Bisballe and Abrie Cabana connected on consecutive shots from beyond the arc, extending the Laker advantage to 45-28 going to the final 10 minutes.
 
Grand Valley State took their largest lead of the game at 53-33 just over three minutes into the fourth quarter. After the Huskies got it down to 14 points, Droste connected again from deep to all but clinch the game for GVSU. Michigan Tech went on a 6-2 run in the last 1:10 of the game to make the game closer at the end, but not enough to stop the Lakers from advancing.  
 
Rylie Bisballe led the way with a game-high 19 points, while grabbing eight rebounds. Ellie Droste scored 10 points and MacKenzie Bisballe added eight points. Lexi Plitzuweit recorded seven rebounds and two blocks.
 
Up Next
GVSU advances to the semifinals where they will meet fourth-seeded Wayne State. They will play at 2:00 on Saturday in Allendale. You can purchase tickets here.