Ferris State Falls To #2 Union In Close Setback At D2CCA Tipoff Classic

EDINBORO, Pa. — Nationally second-ranked Union (Tenn.) edged past Ferris State University, 73-70, in women's basketball action on Saturday (Nov. 8) at the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Tipoff Classic despite the Bulldogs' 45-32 rebounding advantage and 23 points off turnovers.

The Bulldogs faced a preseason top four team in the nation for the second-straight day at the season-opening event near Erie (Pa.), following a close triumph over fourth-ranked North Georgia in Friday night's first action of the year.

On Saturday, Ferris State started the game with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Mya Hiram's layup at 9:22 and a fast-break three-pointer by Elle Irwin at 8:57, giving them an early edge. Kadyn Blanchard contributed significantly with consecutive three-pointers, pushing the Bulldogs' lead to 11-6 at 6:43 of the opening stanza. Union struggled to keep pace, despite a three-pointer from Courtney Zensen that momentarily narrowed the gap. The Bulldogs maintained their advantage through consistent scoring and defensive stops, ending the first quarter with a 30-20 lead over Union.

Union overcame an early turnover in the second quarter and went on to score 17 points, with La'Sonja Hill contributing a three-pointer at 7:46 to extend the lead. Despite Union's efforts, the Bulldogs kept the pressure on, with Blanchard making a fastbreak layup at 7:17 and later adding a jumper in the final minute. Emma Schierbeek's three-pointer at 5:31 helped the Bulldogs maintain pace, but Union's Abigail Bryan responded with a three-pointer at 5:14. The quarter concluded with the Bulldogs holding a slim lead of 45-37.

The third quarter saw Union executing a crucial comeback effort, with a significant contribution from the perimeter as Olivia Lee hit a three-pointer at 7:40, narrowing the Bulldogs' lead. Despite the Bulldogs' series of turnovers, Claire Erickson managed to regain momentum with a layup at 5:59, assisted by Blanchard, pushing the Bulldogs ahead. Hiram's consistent inside play was pivotal, adding key baskets at 3:08 and 1:59, maintaining a narrow lead. Union's Zensen tied the game with a three-pointer at 3:44, but a fast break led by Mia Riley's layup at 2:42 helped the Bulldogs edge out a 59-54 advantage by the end of the period.

Schierbeek started the fourth quarter with a three-point play for the Bulldogs, extending their lead to 62-54. Union responded with back-to-back three-pointers by Zensen and Kynidi Mason Striverson, narrowing the gap to two points early in the period. Hiram provided significant contributions for the Bulldogs, scoring multiple layups, including one assisted by Riley with 59 seconds to go to tie the game at 70. However, Bryan's clutch three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining gave Union a decisive 73-70 lead. The Bulldogs had a final opportunity to score, but Riley's missed three-pointer and subsequent offensive rebounds failed to produce points before time expired.

Hiram finished with 20 points and collected 11 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. Blanchard added 10 points and recorded seven assists, while also tallying three steals. Irwin scored 10 points and posted six rebounds, contributing four assists. Miller made an impact defensively with three steals and added two points.

Mason Striverson led Union with 12 points, sinking four 3-pointers on seven attempts. Bryan matched her with 12 points, also making four 3-pointers and contributing six rebounds. Zensen added 12 points, with four 3-pointers and two steals. Morgan Escobedo recorded six assists and four steals, while Hill added seven points and two steals.

The Bulldogs, now 1-1 overall, will close out the D2CCA Tipoff Classic on Sunday (Nov. 9) against California (Pa.) in Erie starting at 2 p.m. (ET).