Early Start Leads Host Lakers Over Bulldogs In First GLIAC North Tilt

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad battled host Lake Superior State even for the final three quarters, but couldn't overcome a quick start by the Lakers in a 73-59 setback on Thursday (Jan. 12) night in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) action at LSSU's Bud Cooper Gymnasium in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Lakers opened up a 25-11 first quarter lead before the two teams finished even over the final three periods in the first GLIAC North Division contest of the year.

The Bulldogs got a game-high 29 points and 10 rebounds from junior center Rachel McInerney in the game as she hit nine-of-12 field goals and 11-of-12 free throws in 36 minutes of action.

Redshirt freshman guard Riley Blair tallied 12 points for FSU in the loss with forward Joslyn Nicholson also reaching double-digits with 10 points in the outing.

The Bulldogs were limited to 34.5% shooting overall and went one-of-nine (11.1%) from three-point range in the contest. FSU did sink 20-of-22 (90.0%) free throws.

Meanwhile, Lake Superior State finished shooting 51% for the game and connected on 10-of-18 (53.6%) three's and 15-of-25 (60%) free throws. LSSU hit five-of-six (83%) long range tries in the first quarter alone in building a 14-point lead after the opening period.

The Lakers were led by Valerie Meissner and Mackenzie Edwards with 17 points each. Claire Radtke added 14 points as LSSU improved to 4-11 overall and 2-6 in the GLIAC. All four of Lake Superior State's wins have come at home this season.

The Bulldogs managed to outrebound the Lakers 36-30 for the night and FSU pulled down 15 offensive rebounds in the triumph. That led to a 19-6 Bulldog advantage in second chance production.

The Lakers had 16 turnovers to 15 for FSU and came up with 17 assists, eight steals and two blocks in comparison to the Bulldogs' 10 assists, 10 steals and a single block.'

The Bulldogs will play their first home contest of the New Year on Saturday (Jan. 14) as FSU hosts the Northwood Timberwolves inside Jim Wink Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. (ET).