Ferris State Gives #2 Ashland All It Can Handle In Battle To The Finish

Postgame Interview

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad gave nationally second-ranked Ashland all it could handle much of the way on Saturday (Jan. 9) before the Eagles pulled out a 60-45 win over FSU in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play in Ashland, Ohio.

FSU opened up a 19-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and held a 25-22 edge at halftime before AU outscored the Bulldogs 16-10 in the third and 22-10 in the fourth to account for the final margin. The win was Ashland's 22nd consecutive at Kates Gymnasium.

Freshman Kadyn Blanchard totaled a game-high tying 21 points to lead FSU and added six rebounds in only her second collegiate game. Sophomore Mallory McCartney added eight points with five assists and four rebounds while the Bulldogs also got five points from Zoe Anderson and four by Ariel Jenkins.

FSU shot only 32% from the floor, but hit five three's and went six-of-seven (85.7%) at the free throw line.

Overall, Ferris State also outrebounded the Eagles 34-33, which included seven offensive boards. However, the Bulldogs also had 23 turnovers compared to Ashland's 18 on the day.

The Eagles received 21 points from preseason all-conference choice Hallie Heidemann in addition to 15 by Karlee Pireu on the front line. Erica Warren added 12 points off the bench with Erin Daniels totaling 10 points.

The Bulldogs will return home to Big Rapids and host Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 15-16, at Jim Wink Arena. Both games are slated for 3 p.m. (ET) starts. No fans will be allowed for any GLIAC contests at this time based on conference policy as recommended by the GLIAC COVID-19 task force and adopted by the league's council of president's.