For Bulldog athletics, there’s no time to rest, even over the holiday break. Here are a few different achievements and updates throughout Ferris sports that you missed over the vacation.
Olivia Henneman-Dallape goes pro
Following a 34-1 season and an AVCA National Player of the Year award, Olivia Henneman-Dallape landed a professional contract for the Polkky Kuusamo volleyball team in Finland.
Henneman-Dallape announced her decision in an Instagram post on Jan. 4 and said her goodbyes to Ferris shortly after.
“Ferris State is really a special place,” Henneman-Dallape said. “I’m so grateful to be able to play with so many amazing teammates and coaches. I will forever remember all the memories and experiences we’ve had. I’ve decided to go somewhere even colder than Big Rapids. See you in a few days Finland.”
Henneman-Dallape will join the team for the spring portion of their season.
Lawrence Hattar transfers
Junior offensive lineman Lawrence Hattar transferred to the University of Michigan shortly after Ferris football captured its third national championship in the last four seasons. Hattar was a DII first-team All-American this season and led the way up front in the “Nasty Boys” Bulldog offensive line. Hattar chose Michigan over other DI schools such as Michigan State, Wisconsin and North Carolina.
Basketball squads continue to win
Over the break, the No. 4 men’s basketball team went a perfect 6-0 in their matchups, including four conference wins with one against rival Grand Valley. The Bulldogs currently sport a 16-1 record, alongside a 6-0 record in the GLIAC conference.
Across the six-game stretch, senior guard Ethan Erickson averaged 18.6 points per game en route to the undefeated break, supported by a 29-point performance against the Roosevelt Lakers.
With their recent win over the Wayne State Warriors on Jan. 4, head coach Andy Bronkema moved to second on the program’s all-time victory list. Bronkema has tallied 269 wins in his 12 seasons as head coach, including nine straight seasons of 20+ wins. Bronkema only trails behind the legendary Jim Wink who collected 337 victories in his Bulldog tenure.
Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team has also supported a winning record. Over the break, the Bulldogs went 4-2, improving their overall record to 10-4 and a 5-1 conference record.
The Bulldogs balanced scoring attack was led by junior guard Mia Riley, averaging 14.2 points per game, alongside senior forward Kadyn Blanchard who also sported 15 points per game in four games. Blanchard also earned a GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week award for her efforts in Ferris’ first two matchups of the new year. The Bulldogs are currently tied for second place in the GLIAC standings with Wisconsin-Parkside, just a game behind rival Grand Valley in first.