Ferris State Takes Ashland To The Wire In NCAA Tourney Setback

Postgame Interview & Highlights 
Postgame Press Conference 

Big Rapids, Mich. - A valiant effort from the Ferris State University women's basketball squad came up a little short on Friday (March 14) as the Bulldogs fell to nationally fifth-ranked Ashland 62-50 in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Quarterfinals in Allendale.

The Bulldogs, who closed the year with a 21-12 overall record, took the Eagles to the wire before AU pulled away late for the victory to move into the regional semifinals. The setback also avenged a defeat to FSU a year ago in the regional tournament.

Ferris State fell behind by nine points in the first period, but battled back to within three at halftime. In the second half, the Bulldogs continued to keep the game close. However, each time FSU pulled within a possession, a veteran Ashland team responded and the Eagles closed the game out to move to 31-3 on the year.

The Bulldogs were led by junior guard Mia Riley with a game-high 19 points. Junior Mya Hiram added 11 points for FSU while freshman Alyssa Wirth scored seven points off the bench. Senior guard Kenzie Bowers finished her carer with four points, five rebounds and four assists for FSU.

Ferris State was held to only 31.1% shooting, including a three-of-23 (13.0%) effort from long range. The Bulldogs went 11-of-13 (84.6%) at the free throw line.

Meanwhile, Ashland shot 46.8% for the afternoon and nailed eight-of-20 (40.0%) three's in addition to 10-of-17 (58.8%) free throws. They also held a 39-29 rebounding edge over Ferris State, but turned the ball over 18 times compared to only 13 for the Bulldogs.

Ashland was led by Zoe Miller with 15 points and Morgan Yoder with 13 points. Sarah McKee added 12 points and Lydia Sweeney totaled 10 points in the win.

The Bulldogs outscored AU 30-22 inside the paint and 12-8 in points off turnovers.

Ferris State loses a pair of seniors in Bowers and DeShonna Day, who did not play due to injury, but the rest of the FSU roster is slated to potentially return next season.

Overall, the berth in the NCAA Tournament was FSU's eighth in school history, including the third in the last four seasons.