Big First Half Leads Lake Erie Past Bulldogs In Women's Basketball Action

Big Rapids, Mich. - A big first half led the Lake Erie Storm past the Ferris State University women's baksetball squad 54-38 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play on Thursday (Dec. 4) night in Painesville, Ohio.

The host Storm limited FSU to only 12 first half points in building a 26-12 edge at the break and then narrowly outscored the Bulldogs 28-26 over the final 20 minutes to account for the final margin.

Ferris State shot only 18.8% for the game, which included a 12.9% (4-31) figure in the opening half of action. FSU finished three-of-21 (14.3%) from three-point range and nine-of-13 (69.2%) at the line.

Lake Erie didn't fare much better from the floor as the Storm converted 30.4% of their field goal tries and were limited to 28% over the second half. LEC made three-of-17 (17.6%) three's and hit 17-of-27 (63%) free throws.

The Storm received 17 points and 11 rebounds from Kayla Gabor in a double-double effort, but she was the lone player from either team to reach double-digit scoring. 

FSU was paced by sophomore guard Ally Christman with nine points on the night. Junior guard Dena Droste added eight points and a team-high nine rebounds while junior guard Katie Mavis chipped in with six points.

Ferris State did outrebound Lake Erie 56-47 for the game and pulled down 23 offensive boards to only 12 for the Storm. Along with Droste's nine boards, FSU received eight from junior center Christina Branch along with seven by senior forward Ashley Rando.

FSU, though, had 22 turnovers in the game to 18 for Lake Erie and the Storm netted 12 steals to 11 for the Bulldogs. Ferris State finished with four blocked shots and only six assists while LEC compiled four blocks as well and dished out 10 helpers.

Droste paced FSU with four steals in the contest.

With the loss, Ferris State dropped to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the GLIAC. Lake Erie improved to 5-1 on the year and started league play with a 1-0 record.

Ferris State will be back in action on Saturday (Dec. 6) as FSU wraps up its two-game trip to Ohio by facing Ashland. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. (ET) inside AU's Kates Gymnasium at Ashland, Ohio.