News Summary
Grand Valley State University celebrated its second Division II women’s basketball championship after defeating Cal State Dominguez Hills with a 70-58 score. The Lakers, led by freshman MacKenzie Bisballe, showcased impressive teamwork and performance throughout the tournament, achieving a season record of 38-2. With this victory, Grand Valley adds to its rich legacy in women’s college basketball, matching the success of the 2005-06 championship team.
Allendale, Michigan – Grand Valley State University celebrated its second Division II women’s basketball championship on March 28, 2025, by defeating Cal State Dominguez Hills with a final score of 70-58. This victory marks Grand Valley State’s first championship win since the 2005-06 season, enhancing their impressive legacy in college basketball.
The championship game showcased the talents of several players, with freshman MacKenzie Bisballe leading the Lakers’ offense by scoring 14 points. Her sister, Rylie Bisballe, also made a significant contribution, netting 13 points. Additionally, Ellie Droste added 11 points to help solidify the team’s lead. The Lakers, now boasting a season record of 38-2, demonstrated consistent performance throughout the tournament.
Cal State Dominguez Hills entered the championship match with a remarkable record of 36-2, including an impressive 29 consecutive game-winning streak at the start of the season. However, the Lakers proved to be formidable opponents. They established an early lead with a narrow 15-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter before significantly pulling ahead with an 11-1 scoring run in the second quarter, ultimately leading 26-13.
By halftime, Grand Valley State held a significant lead at 38-21 and began the second half with nine consecutive points, expanding their lead to 47-21. The Lakers’ solid strategies and teamwork were evident as they maintained control of the game, leading to their championship title.
For Cal State Dominguez Hills, Asia Jordan stood out by scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Kya Pearson added 11 points to the team’s efforts, but the team’s star player, Nala Williams, who was named the WBCA player of the year, struggled throughout the match, scoring only seven points on 3-of-14 shooting.
The game witnessed a total of 26 turnovers committed by Grand Valley State, which matched the number Cal State Dominguez Hills usually averages forcing per game. This statistic highlights the aggressive defensive plays both teams exhibited during the match, despite Grand Valley’s victory.
The championship was part of a larger tournament that featured a 64-team field, including 23 automatic bids. The Women’s Elite Eight took place at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, providing a competitive atmosphere for the teams involved. Minnesota State, who were the reigning champions from the previous year, aimed to defend their title after winning against Texas Woman’s in 2024.
With this championship win, Grand Valley State adds another significant achievement to its women’s basketball program history. The 2005-06 team finished with an impressive record of 33-3 after triumphing over American International in the title game, and now the current squad has matched their success with a remarkable season. The future looks bright for the Lakers as they continue to build on their championship legacy.
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Additional Resources
- Holland Sentinel: GVSU Uses Strong Defensive Effort
- NCAA: Grand Valley State Wins 2025 DII Women’s Basketball Title
- Los Angeles Times: Grand Valley State Women Defeats Cal State Dominguez Hills
- Google Search: Grand Valley State women’s basketball
- Wikipedia: Grand Valley State Lakers
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
