ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's basketball team will begin NCAA Tournament play Friday evening, hosting Maryville. The Lakers are the top seed in the Midwest region for the third straight year, playing the eighth-seeded Saints in round one.
 
Tournament Central
Live Stats | Video | Radio | Tickets | Friday | 5:00
 
Grand Valley State punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with an 83-62 victory over Ferris State in the GLIAC Championship game. The Lakers raced out to a 28-11 lead after the first quarter, then maintained their advantage the rest of the way. Tournament MVP MacKenzie Bisballe was the tournament MVP, scoring 25 points on 10-19 shooting, and pulling down eight boards in the championship game. Lexi Plituzweit scored 12 points, adding five assists, four rebounds, and three assists. Molly Anderson and Avery Zeinstra each had 10 points. Nicole Kamin was part of the all-tournament team, tallying 10 rebounds, six points, and five assists.
 
For the third straight season, the Midwest Region will go through Allendale. The top-seed in the region is looking to win their third regional title in the past five seasons. Coming off the National Championship a season ago, the Lakers have won 12 consecutive post season games, with only one decided by single digits. Recently named a D2CCA First-Team All-Region selection, Bisballe is tied with Paige VanStee for the team lead with 14.6 points, shooting a GLIAC-best 54.6% from the field. This is the 11^th consecutive NCAA Tournament that the Lakers will compete in, and the 21^st in program history.
 
The Saints will be making their second NCAA Division II Tournament in program history, and their first since 2012. Maryville won the GLVC tournament, defeating UMSL in double overtime to take the title. Winners of seven straight, MU has moved to 25-6 this season, their most wins in a single season in program history. The Saints are led by First-Team All-GLVC selection Lindsey Schadewalt, who averages 14.6 points per game, shooting over 42% from deep. Gracie Gopalan was a second-team selection, with Alicia Bugos earning a spot on the all-defensive team, and Claire Lueken garnering all-freshman team honors. Maryville's defense has been one of the best in the country, holding opposing teams to 35.8% from the field and 26.3% from three, both stats ranking 25^th in the country.
 
How To Follow
Friday's game will be available to follow along with via live stats or live stream for free through Hudl or NCAA.com. You can also listen live on the radio on The Ticket. For full coverage, follow along on social media @gvsuwbb and online at GVSUlakers.com.