Ferris State Falls To GVSU In GLIAC Tourney Championship Game; Will Await Official NCAA Selection Show

Postgame Highlights & Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad fell to top-seeded rival Grand Valley State 83-62 in the 2026 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament Championship Game on Sunday (March 8) at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena in Allendale.

Despite the setback, the Bulldogs are expected to receive their third consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament berth once the official selections are announced late Sunday night.

In Sunday's title game, the Lakers jumped out to an early advantage and came away with their third win over FSU this year, spoiling the Bulldogs' tournament run. Third-seeded FSU had beat Parkside at home in the opening round on Wednesday night before notching a high-scoring 104-86 semifinal win over second-seeded Wayne State on Satuday in Allendale.

The Bulldogs recorded 10 three-pointers in the championship setback, but the Lakers dominated the paint with 38 points.

The first quarter began with GVSU taking an early lead, as MacKenzie Bisballe scored a layup and a 3-pointer within the first four minutes, contributing to a 10-2 advantage. Ferris State struggled with turnovers, committing six, which the Lakers capitalized on with efficient shooting. Senior Mya Hiram scored the Bulldogs' first points with a layup at 7:21, assisted by senior Mia Riley. Despite efforts from senior Kadyn Blanchard and junior Claire Erickson, the Bulldogs trailed 28-11 at the end of the quarter, with the Lakers shooting 55% from the field, including five successful 3-pointers.

Grand Valley State maintained its lead with a strong offensive performance in the second quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 21-17. A key moment occurred early as senior Elle Irwin hit a 3-pointer at 9:27, narrowing the gap slightly. However, the Lakers responded with consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer from Avery Zeinstra at 5:27, assisted by Lexi Plitzuweit, to extend their lead to 35-19. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, including senior Ally Schultz's three-point shot at 2:41, the Lakers closed the quarter with a jumper and free throw from Nicole Kamin, ending the half with a 49-28 advantage.

In the third quarter, the Lakers maintained their lead with a balanced scoring effort, highlighted by Plitzuweit's early 3-pointer at the 9:44 mark. The Bulldogs responded with Hiram's layup and a 3-pointer from freshman Charlotte Miller, assisted by Riley, to stay within striking distance. However, the Lakers extended their lead with Paige Vanstee and Bisballe contributing crucial points in the paint. Despite a late push from the Bulldogs, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Blanchard, the Lakers ended the quarter ahead, 69-46, after a layup by Vanstee at the 59-second mark.

In the fourth quarter, SU narrowed the gap against the Lakers with a 16-14 scoring advantage. Hiram contributed early with back-to-back free throws, while Blanchard added a 3-pointer at the 4:00 mark, cutting the deficit. The Lakers, however, maintained their lead with crucial free throws from Zeinstra and a layup by Bisballe. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, including a fast-break layup by sophomore Mara Mitchell, the Lakers secured an 83-62 victory.

Hiram led the Bulldogs with 18 points, converting all eight of her free throw attempts. Blanchard contributed 15 points, making four of eight shots from beyond the arc. Irwin added nine points, connecting on all three of her 3-point attempts. Senior Emma Schierbeek was active defensively, recording two steals.

Bisballe led the way for the Lakers with a standout performance, scoring 25 points on 10-for-19 shooting, including two 3-pointers. She also contributed three blocks and three steals, showcasing her all-around impact on the game. Kamin recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and six points, while also distributing five assists. Plitzuweit added 12 points and matched Kamin's five assists, while also recording three steals. Molly Anderson chipped in with 10 points and two assists, further bolstering the team's effort on the offensive end.

FSU's Blanchard and Hiram were both named to the GLIAC All-Tournament Team for their performances in the tourney run.

The Bulldogs, who were ranked #16 nationally this past week, are now 26-6 overall this year while the nation's second-ranked Lakers improved to 30-1 this campaign. The contest was the second tournament final in as many years between the two West Michigan rivals.

This past week, GVSU was tabbed first and FSU second in the most recent NCAA D2 Midwest Regional Rankings. The official national tournament selections will be announced on Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. (ET) with a live selection show at NCAA.com.

Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for additional postseason information as it becomes available.