Hot Shooting From Outside Leads GVSU Past FSU In Women's Basketball

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad suffered a 97-60 setback to rival Grand Valley State in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play on Monday night at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The loss came despite a strong effort from sophomore forward Rachel McInerney, who finished with a team-high 18 points in 30 minutes of action.

Ferris State, coming off a win over GLIAC North Division leading Saginaw Valley State on a buzzer beater Saturday, hung on in the first quarter and entered the second frame railing by only five points. But, GVSU doubled up FSU 24-12 in the second to take a 17-point halftime edge.

McInerney led the Bulldogs with 18 points and shot 80 percent from the field while also finishing with five rebounds. Senior guard Katie Mavis added 12 points and freshman forward Abby Nakfoor had nine.

Senior forward Alexis Huntey led the Bulldogs on the glass with a game-high 11 rebounds and added nine points of her own.

However, Ferris State turned the ball over 21 times and Grand Valley State converted it to 26 points.

The Lakers had five players finish in double figures. Piper Tucker had 26 and Kayla Dawson finished with 24 overall. The two combined to shoot 7-of-9 from beyond the arc. Overall, Grand Valley State shot 57% from deep range.

Bailey Cairnduff finished with 13 points, Lindsay Baker had 12 and Taylor Lutz posted 10 for the Lakers.

Ferris State finished shooting a combined 40.7%, but just 20% from the three-point stripe.

As part of Monday night's doubleheader, the Bulldogs honored their 2015 GLIAC Championship football and volleyball teams at halftime. Both squads claimed their second consecutive conference crowns in the fall as a large crowd was on hand to recognize the two teams.

Ferris State hits the road as FSU travels to Michigan's Upper Peninsula this weekend. The Bulldogs will face Michigan Tech on Thursday (Feb. 4) in Houghton starting at 5:30 p.m. (ET). FSU then heads to Marquette to face Northern Michigan this Saturday (Feb. 6) in a 11 a.m. (ET) league game.