The No. 4 nationally ranked Ferris State women’s basketball team split their weekend homestand with a loss to the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals on Feb. 15 before they bounced back and captured a win over the Wayne State Warriors on Saturday, Feb. 17.
The first contest of the week saw the Bulldogs’ (18-2, 12-2 in GLIAC) perfect 7-0 record at home be snapped at the hands of the Cardinals (9-16, 6-9 in GLIAC), as Saginaw upset Ferris to the tune of 47-44.
Ferris was without starting point guard and fifth-year senior Mallory McCartney. Neither team could get it going on offense as neither team shot over 35% from the field. The game was back and forth, which led to the Bulldogs entering the fourth quarter with a five-point lead. The women did not get the shots to fall in the final period and were outscored 16-9 in the final 10 minutes of the contest. The biggest key to the loss was the rebound battle, as the Cardinals outrebounded Ferris 39-28.
Senior guard DeShonna Day was a huge bright spot for the team on Thursday, as the Muskegon native had a solid defensive performance with five steals and two blocks.
“In practice, our coach told us that we can gamble, if you see the ball in the air and you can get it, just go.” Day said.
In addition to the great defense, Day was also the game’s leading scorer with 12 points.
Head coach Kurt Westendorp looks to put this one past him stating.
‘You got to let this one sting until you show up tomorrow,” Westendorp said. “We show up every day and focus on what is next.”
Looking to bounce back, Ferris took on the Wayne State Warriors (16-8, 9-6 in the GLIAC) in a massive conference battle on Saturday, Feb 17.
The Bulldogs seemingly put Thursday’s loss behind them with a 10-point victory over the Warriors (16-8, 9-6 in the GLIAC).
Ferris started slow, with the team being down to the Warriors 20-14. After the first quarter however, they picked up the pace and started to settle in on offense and did not look back, defeating the Wayne State Warriors 74-64 in a game that was not as close as the score suggests. The Bulldogs were in control the entirety of the second half.
Ferris controlled the fast break points, outscoring the Warriors 29-12 on the break turning defense into easy offense.
“We are never trying to get a rebound and go slow,” Westendorp said. “Whenever we can turn our defense into offense, that is always a point of emphasis in practice and games.”
McCartney returned for Saturday’s contest and nearly posted a triple-double against the Warriors, putting up 17 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
“It feels amazing to be back,” McCartney said. “I get to play with the people I love and have fun with them. This one was a lot of fun for sure.”
Looking ahead, Ferris will play two games next week. Both will be away, on Thursday, Feb 22. at Grand Valley State at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb 24. at Davenport at 1 p.m.
The Grand Valley State game will have major conference title implications, if Ferris can win they will set themselves up for a possible regular season conference championship as both teams would be 13-2 with only three more conference games to go.
“Anytime you play Grand Valley it’s a big game, you can’t hide from it,” Westendorp said. “You have to embrace it you have to have fun with it. It is two of the best, there’s something on the line.”