A fearsome stretch of games against talented conference teams might be intimidating for some teams, but Ferris women’s basketball is not about to let anything slow them down.
Since losing to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Wednesday, Jan. 1, the Bulldogs have won five games in a row. All five wins came on the road and propelled the Bulldogs to an impressive 12-5 overall record, including a solid 6-3 standing in the GLIAC.
Ferris junior guard Adrienne Anderson has been a big part of the recent success for the Bulldogs. She averaged 18.6 points per game during Ferris’ win streak and is “ecstatic” to keep showing people just how good her team really is.
“We still have something to prove,” Anderson said. “I think we come out really strong and did what we had to do, but we’re not done. We still have more to prove and more to give. We want more.”
The Bulldogs certainly proved they can win big games that come down to the wire. On Thursday, Jan. 16, they traveled to Northern Michigan University and tallied a 66-60 victory thanks to a 44-point second half after trailing 30-22 at halftime.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, the Bulldogs rode north to face Michigan Technological University and pulled out an overtime win 80-73. Ferris senior guard Riley Blair had a monster game, recording 30 points and 11 rebounds. Ferris freshman guard Mallory McCartney pitched in a double-double as well, with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The new decade has been nothing short of spectacular for the Bulldogs, and especially for Blair. Since the calendar change, the senior has averaged an impressive 20 points per game and will look to stay hot as the Bulldogs push deeper into conference play.
Ferris women’s basketball head coach Kendra Faustin was proud of the way her team played early in the month. She was impressed by their performance, and their ability to win and persevere.
“Every win is a big one,” Faustin said. “It’s hard to get wins in general and it’s tough to get road wins. I’m just really proud of this group and our ability to navigate change, adjust, adapt and handle adversity. We have changed so much from the beginning of the year and we just keep getting better. That’s our goal and really, I’m just in awe of these young women and what they’re doing.”
After a brutal stretch of five games on the road, the Bulldogs will return home for their next two games. Ferris freshman forward Chloe Idoni was glad to be coming home.
“I’m very excited,” Idoni said. “I love playing at home with all the fans and the energy here. It’s just awesome.”
Ferris will host Wisconsin-Parkside Thursday, Jan. 23, in a battle between the top two teams in the GLIAC before welcoming Purdue Northwest to Wink Arena Saturday, Jan. 25.