Ferris State Drops Exhibition Contest To MAC Favorite Toledo

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad hit the floor for the first time on Sunday, dropping an 87-43 decision to NCAA Division I Toledo (Ohio) at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio.

The Bulldogs fell behind early against the Mid-American Conference (MAC) favorites, but had a strong second and third quarter of action stepping up a level in competition.

In Sunday's exhibition tilt, Toledo jumped in front 24-4 after one period, but FSU battled the Rockets to a seven point difference in the second period and only a three-point margin in the third before Toledo pulled away down the stretch.

A total of 13 different players saw action for the Bulldogs with the balanced effort led by Chloe Idoni with seven points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, junior guard Kadyn Blanchard also added seven points for the Bulldogs in the setback with newcomer Elle Irwin scoring six points overall.

The Bulldogs were limited to only 27% shooting for the game, but did go nine-of-11 (81.8%) at the free throw line. FSU also came up with nine offensive rebounds, including three from Irwin, and finished with six steals.

Senior guard Mallory McCartney dished out a team-high three assists for FSU and totaled five points while transfer Kenzie Bowers had two steals to go with five points as well. Sophomore Grace Sullivan also contributed five points off the bench and a total of nine different players cracked the scoring column.

Due the nature of the exhibition tilt, no further statistics or a boxscore are available.

Ferris State, which is the defending GLIAC Tournament Champion and reached the NCAA Division II Tournament a season ago, will open regular-season play on Nov. 11 with a regional matchup at Ohio Dominican. FSU then visits another regional foe in Cedarville (Ohio) the following night on Nov. 12 before hosting Northwood in its regular-season home opener on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Jim Wink Arena.