This weekend, the Ferris State Bulldogs Women’s basketball team returns to the court, where they will take on three teams for the D2CCA Tipoff Classic.
The three-day D2CCA Tipoff Classic will give the Bulldogs an early-season test as they travel to Erie, Pa to face a slate of non-conference opponents. This offers the team a chance to fine-tune their game before the regular GLIAC schedule begins. Ferris State looks to showcase its depth, integrate new players and build momentum for what promises to be a competitive season.
Head coach Kurt Westendorp emphasized the value of experience on this team’s roster, noting that the veteran group’s presence has raised expectations.
“They have championship-winning habits. That’s the good part about having players that not just have been here before, but have been here and had successes; they know what it takes,” Westendorp said. “We’re trying to get three freshmen into the mix with us, but having 11 returning players and so many of them being seniors, it’s nice having that maturity and leadership on the team. We have really kicked it up a notch as far as our expectations, the way that we have been pushing them, the way we put together our schedule for this year, all with that in mind that we have a veteran group.”
On Friday, Nov. 7 the Bulldogs will be taking on the University of North Georgia for their opening game of the season. This is the first time the Bulldogs will be matching up against the Nighthawks.
The Bulldogs will need to come out hot if they want to take this game. North Georgia has a talented roster with experienced players. Ferris’ key to winning this matchup will be to stifle the Nighthawks’ leading scorer, senior guard Caroline Martin. She averaged 16.9 points per game in the 2024-25 season, where the team had a 31-1 overall record.
With defensive discipline and setting the tone early, the Bulldogs should be able to keep North Georgia’s shooters off the line.
On Saturday, Nov. 8 Ferris looks to take on the Union University Bulldogs for their first-ever matchup. This second game of the D2CCA Tipoff Classic will serve as another challenging game for Ferris.
With a record of 33-4 during the 2024-25 season, they ended up ranking as the number one team in the Gulf South Conference. Although they were eliminated in the semifinals of the 2025 D2 NCAA tournament by Cal State Dominguez Hills, Union looks to make a triumphant return, with the same team.
Ferris needs to watch for Union’s fast-paced offense, veteran lineup and strong perimeter shooting. A few keys to Ferris taking this game will be maintaining their presence in the paint and controlling rebounds, slowing down the GSC powerhouse as much as they can.
For the final game of the D2CCA Tipoff Classic, the Bulldogs will be taking on the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans, another team Ferris has yet to match up against.
The Bulldogs have a chance to make a statement in this final game. Going up against a Vulcans roster full of new faces, the Bulldogs have the court when it comes to experience. With their veteran lineup and proven chemistry, the Bulldogs will look to close out the Tipoff Classic on a high note and carry that momentum into the rest of their nonconference schedule.
Senior guard Mia Riley talked about this year’s group and how the returning core sets them up for a successful year.
“We have a very experienced team this year with our six seniors,” Riley said. “We also have a couple of girls back from being injured last year, so it should be a great year for us on the court.”
Ferris State Women’s basketball will take on the University of North Georgia, Union University and California University of Pennsylvania starting on Nov. 7 and ending on Nov. 9 in Erie, Pa.