Ferris State Drops High-Scoring Home Opener To Parkside

Highlights & Postgame Interview 

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's basketball squad played its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) home opener against Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday (Jan. 15), but came out on the short end of a high-scoring 86-82 decision inside Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldogs built an early lead, holding a 19-10 edge at the end of the opening quarter, but were outscored 32-17 over the final 10 minutes of the first half. FSU outscored the Rangers by two points in the second half and cut Parkside's lead down to a single possession in the closing minutes before UWP pulled out the win a back and forth type of game.

The Rangers got a game-high 32 points from preseason All-GLIAC pick Alyssa Nelson, including a long bank shot three-pointer as the shot clock was expiring after FSU had trimmed the lead late to 81-78. Nelson added nine rebounds with three assists, two blocks and two steals.

Nelson's performance was needed as Bulldog freshman guard Kadyn Blanchard wasn't far behind with a Bulldog team-high 25 points to go with five boards, five assists and two steals.

Along with Blanchard, FSU received 19 points and seven assists from sophomore guard Mallory McCartney in addition to 14 points and seven rebounds from transfer forward Ellie Dykstra.

Ferris State shot 43.3% overall and went eight-of-25 (32%) in addition to 16-of-18 (88.9%) at the free throw line.

However, the Rangers converted 50.8% of their field goals and made nine-of-23 (39.1%) three's to go with a 15-of-22 (68.2%) showing at the free throw stripe.

The Bulldogs had a rebounding advantage with a 38-34 figure and FSU also pulled down 10 offensive rebounds in the game. Both teams netted nine steals and Ferris State finished with 15 turnovers to 14 for the Rangers.

Parkside distributed the ball well with 24 assists on 31 baskets, including seven from Alexis Vaughn. The Bulldogs compiled 16 assists with McCartney and Blanchard combining for 12 of them.

The two teams will square off again in the weekend finale on Saturday (Jan. 16) at 1 p.m. (ET) inside Wink Arena. No fans are currently allowed for any GLIAC contest due to the league's COVID-19 protocols, but the game will be streamed live online. Fans can also tune into the live radio broadcast on Sunny 97.3 FM and the Bulldog Sports Network. Visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com for complete coverage links.