Western Wayne Today

The Wayne State University women's basketball team faced a challenging game against top-ranked Grand Valley State, resulting in an 80-59 loss at the WSU Fieldhouse. This match marked their second conference game of the season, bringing their overall record to 4-3 and their GLIAC standing to 1-1.

In the first quarter, Grand Valley State's Abrie Cabana initiated scoring with two successful shots, setting an early lead for the Lakers. Despite efforts from Wayne State players Taylor Thompson and McKenna Ferguson, the Warriors ended the first period trailing 25-17 after an eight-point run by GVSU.

Wayne State narrowed the gap in the second quarter with contributions from Thompson and Shea Tripp. However, a subsequent 14-6 run by Grand Valley extended their lead to nine points. The half concluded with GVSU leading 42-34 after Ellie Droste hit a long-range jumper.

The third quarter saw Wayne State struggle offensively, managing only twelve points while GVSU added 22 to their tally. Nicole Kamin played a key role for Grand Valley during this period. Entering the final quarter, Wayne State was behind 64-46.

Despite attempts by Thompson and Gabi Lutchka in the fourth quarter, Grand Valley maintained control with a closing run that sealed their victory at 80-59.

Wayne State shot 37.5 percent from the field and struggled from beyond the arc at just 20 percent accuracy. In contrast, Grand Valley achieved a shooting percentage of 46.3 percent and also won on rebounds with a count of 41 to Wayne's 32.

Taylor Thompson led Wayne State with nearly her fourth double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and securing nine rebounds. Gabi Lutchka contributed significantly as well with three three-pointers among her total of thirteen points.

For Grand Valley, Rylie Bisballe topped scoring efforts with fifteen points along with four rebounds and two assists. Nicole Kamin and MacKenzie Bisballe also reached double figures in scoring; M. Bisballe led her team in rebounds.

Looking ahead, Wayne State will host Edinboro on December 11 at home in Detroit.