Western Wayne Today

Wayne State University's women's basketball team faced a narrow defeat against the University of Wisconsin Parkside in their first home game of the year. The final score was 70-64, marking Wayne State's record at 7-6 overall and 2-3 in the GLIAC, while Parkside improved to 9-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

The game started with Wayne State taking an early lead. Taylor Thompson initiated scoring with a jumper, followed by Alyssa Leister's three-pointer, putting the Warriors ahead 5-0. Despite a strong start, Parkside quickly closed the gap, ending the first quarter trailing just four points behind at 14-10.

In the second quarter, both teams exchanged baskets frequently. Shea Tripp opened with a jumper for Wayne State, but Parkside responded effectively to tie the game at multiple points. By halftime, Wayne State maintained a slim one-point lead.

The third quarter saw Wayne State extending their advantage to nine points early on. However, Parkside's Jaelyn Derlein hit a crucial long-range shot that helped her team stay within reach. The period ended with Wayne State holding onto a six-point lead.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, both teams struggled initially to score from open play until Chloe Van Zeeland completed a three-point play for Parkside, narrowing Wayne State's lead to two points. The Rangers then took control with consecutive three-pointers and held on for victory despite efforts from Wayne State to regain their lead.

Parkside outperformed Wayne State in shooting accuracy and rebounding by slight margins. They shot 41 percent from the floor compared to Wayne State’s 35 percent and won the rebounding battle by one board. Notably, Parkside's bench contributed significantly with 32 points versus just 11 from Wayne State’s reserves.

For Wayne State, McKenna Ferguson led scoring with 17 points while Shea Tripp recorded a career-high of 17 rebounds alongside her 15 points. Taylor Thompson added another 13 points for the Warriors.

Jaelyn Derlein emerged as Parkside’s top scorer off the bench with 14 points. Sheridan Flauger contributed eight rebounds and four assists for her team.

Wayne State will next face Purdue Northwest at home on January 11th at WSU Fieldhouse.