News Summary
The Grand Valley State women’s basketball team secured a place in the Elite Eight with a 62-50 victory over Ashland in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinals. This win improves their season record to 35-2, showcasing standout performances, particularly from Paige VanStee, who scored 15 points. Coach Mike Williams praised the team’s determination and growth, especially after facing challenges during the COVID-19 season. As they prepare for the upcoming game in Pittsburgh on March 24, the Lakers hope to continue their successful run in the tournament.
Grand Valley State Women’s Basketball Team Marches to Elite Eight with a Strong Win over Ashland
In an exciting turn of events on the basketball court, the Grand Valley State (GVSU) women’s basketball team celebrated a hard-fought victory against Ashland in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinals. The final score? A thrilling 62-50 that propels the Lakers into the coveted Elite Eight, set to unfold in Pittsburgh on March 24.
This win adds to an impressive season record for GVSU, who now stands at 35-2. The Lakers showcased their skills and determination throughout the game, capturing the attention of fans and putting their mark on the tournament. At the heart of this victory was none other than Paige VanStee, who came off the bench to score a game-high 15 points. Along with her scoring prowess, she also secured six rebounds and notched three blocked shots, making her an unstoppable force on the court.
Celebrating Individual Accomplishments
VanStee’s impressive performance did not go unnoticed, as she was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Regional. Her ability to learn quickly from mistakes and rise to the occasion proved vital for the team’s success. Coach Mike Williams praised her adaptability and composure under pressure.
The team’s journey has not been without its challenges, but senior Ellie Droste expressed that reaching the Elite Eight is a testament to their growth, particularly considering how they struggled during the COVID-19 season. Such resilience has been a theme for GVSU, and reaching this stage is truly rewarding for the players and coaching staff alike.
Contributions from Key Players
Several players stepped up to support VanStee in making this victory a reality. Rylie Bisballe contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and four steals while earning a spot on the all-tournament team, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. Meanwhile, MacKenzie Bisballe scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds, proving just how deep GVSU’s talent pool runs. Nicole Kamin added to the scoreboard with 10 points, as well as three steals and two assists, highlighting the collaborative effort of the team.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The match began with a tough battle against Ashland’s defensive strategy, resulting in a mere 11 points for GVSU in the first quarter. However, the Lakers found their rhythm in the second quarter, building a substantial lead thanks to a series of offensive rebounds and scoring contributions from VanStee, Kamin, and Droste. As the halftime buzzer sounded, Ashland had managed to narrow the gap to 29-23.
As the game continued, Ashland pushed back, even clawing their way to within four points at 45-41 in the fourth quarter. Yet, GVSU refused to buckle under pressure. A series of crucial possessions, highlighted by offensive rebounds, allowed them to maintain their lead. In the closing minutes, VanStee’s timely 3-pointer extended GVSU’s lead to 51-41, giving the Lakers the momentum they needed. Even when faced with a technical foul called on VanStee that allowed Ashland to pull within 53-46, GVSU responded with a decisive 6-0 run to secure their victory.
GVSU’s journey to the Elite Eight marks a significant achievement for the program, as they have reached this stage four times before, with notable appearances in 2006 and 2022. As the Lakers continue to build on their recent success, the excitement for the next game is palpable. The team’s dedication and teamwork shine brightly as they aim for further glory in Pittsburgh.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Holland Sentinel: GVSU Women’s Basketball Earns Redemption Trip to Elite Eight
- Wikipedia: Grand Valley State Lakers
- Detroit Free Press: Paige VanStee & GVSU Bench Impact
- Google Search: GVSU Women’s Basketball
- MLive: Ferris State Women’s Basketball Upsets GVSU
- Google Scholar: Grand Valley State Basketball
- Holland Sentinel: GVSU Women Win on Sawyer’s Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
