Women's Basketball Drops Season Opener To Cedarville

Big Rapids, Mich. - The nationally-ranked Ferris State University women's basketball squad built a three-point halftime lead, but could not hold on for the win as FSU fell to Cedarville (Ohio) in its 2012-13 season opener on Friday (Nov. 9) evening in Louisville, Ky.

The Bulldogs suffered a 59-51 setback to the Division II Yellow Jackets in the opening game of the United Electric Tip-Off Classic hosted by Bellarmine University at Knights Hall.

Cedarville outscored FSU 35-24 as they beat the Bullodgs in the debut for first-year head coach Colleen Lamoreaux-Tate.

FSU, which was ranked 17th in the Division II Women's Basketball Bulletin Preseason National Poll along with 24th by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association, was paced by junior guard Sarah DeShone's game-high 19 points.

The Bulldogs shot only 29.5% from the floor for the game, which included a five-of-23 (21.7%) figure beyond the three-point arc.  Meanwhile, Cedarville totaled 30% shooting and hit four-of-21 (19%) three's.

The Yellow Jackets held a significant edge at the free throw line as they sank 25-of-30 (83.3%) tries compared to FSU's 10-of-10 (100%) effort.

In addition to DeShone's 19 points, the Bulldogs also received 11 points from sophomore center Hannah Hoffman.  Senior guard Kylie Muntz totaled nine points with junior forward Ashley Rando adding six points.

The Bulldogs built a 12-point lead midway thru the first half before Cedarville closed to within three at the break.

Kayla Jenerette led Cedarville with 13 points while Deborah Chandler added 11 points.  

The Yellow Jackets recorded a 42-39 rebounding edge, but had 22 turnovers compared to only 15 for the Bulldogs in the first official game for both squads this campaign.

Cedarville recorded a 24-8 overall record a season ago and is starting its first full season as a Division II provisional member while the Bulldogs are the favorites to repeat as GLIAC North Division champions.

Ferris State will face Kentucky State in Saturday's (Nov. 10) consolation game at the United Electric Tip-Off Classic in Louisville starting at 5 p.m. (ET) with the championship game between Cedarville and host Bellarmine to follow.