Ferris State Knocks Off Defending National Champion Ashland To Reach Midwest Regional Championship Game!

Postgame Highlights & Interview 
Postgame Press Conference 

Big Rapids, Mich. - For only the second time in school history, the Ferris State University women's basketball squad has advanced to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Championship game as the Bulldogs knocked off defending national champion Ashland by a 64-59 score in semifinal-round play on Saturday (March 16) night in Allendale.

Ferris State topped nationally top-ranked Ashland for the second time this year, handing the Eagles both of their defeats this season, to move into Monday night's regional title game versus top-seeded rival Grand Valley State at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena.

In Saturday's regional semifinal-round game, the Bulldogs picked up right where they left off following a decisive opening round win over Lewis, outscoring Ashland 22-10 in the opening period of play. Ferris State held a nine-point halftime lead and held on down the stretch for the victory.

Senior standout Chloe Idoni finished with 21 points in leading Ferris State while junior guard Kadyn Blanchard added 16 points and senior guard Mallory McCartney netted 10 points along with seven rebounds.

Ferris State shot 41.2% from the floor and went six-of-21 (28.6%) from long range along with 16-of-20 (80%) at the free throw line.

Defensively, the Bulldogs limited AU to 37% shooting and the Eagles made only six-of-27 (22.2%) three's in addition to 13-of-18 (72.2%) free throws.

FSU also forced 17 turnovers in the victory as the Bulldogs improved to 24-5 overall this year.

Both Annie Roshak and Hayley Smith totaled 11 points for AU in the defeat while Macy Spielman added 10 points.

Ashland closed the year with a 31-2 overall record this season.

Ferris State's trip to the regional championship game is only the second in school history and the first since the 2006-07 season.

Monday night's NCAA D2 Midwest Regional Championship game is slated for a 7 p.m. (ET) tip in Allendale. The game will be streamed pay-per-view at NCAA.com. In addition, the local radio broadcast will be carried on Sunny 97.3 FM and the Bulldog Sports Network online at FerrisStateBulldogs.com.