Bulldog Women's Basketball Opens New Year With Big Road Triumph

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad returned to the floor for the first time in two weeks and opened the New Year with a 66-49 non-league road win on Monday (Jan. 2) over Salem International in Salem, W.Va. 

The Bulldogs snapped a three-game skid with a strong second quarter en route to taking a 37-29 halftime lead. The hosts had owned a 13-8 lead after one period, but FSU outscored SIU 29-16 in the second frame.

Ferris State then stretched its advantage by outscoring Salem International 21-10 in the third frame and cruised to the win in the second half.

Junior center Rachel McInerney paced the Bulldogs with a game-high 22 points while redshirt freshman guard Riley Blair added 12 points in the FSU victory. FSU also received 11 points off the bench from freshman Lilly George.

Ferris State was limited to 32.4% shooting, but also hit 18-of-25 (72%) free throws and went four-of-12 (33.3%) from three-point range.

Salem International shot only 24.6% for the afternoon and was seven-of-22 (31.8%) from long range along with 12-of-20 (60%) at the line.

The hosts were led by Keishla Gilmore, who had 11 points. Jessica Woney added 10 points for Salem International.

Ferris State owned a 37-33 rebounding margin and forced 16 turnovers while finishing with only 12 miscues of its own. 

The Bulldogs held a 10-4 edge in second chance production and outscored SIU 30-16 in the paint for the afternoon while leading by as many as 21 points in the triumph.

Ferris State will return to GLIAC play on Thursday (Jan. 5) as FSU visits Lake Erie for a 5:30 p.m. (ET) conference game in Painesville, Ohio.