ALLENDALE, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team defeated 13th ranked Grand Valley State University 51-45 on the road Thursday evening in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener. The Cardinals record now moves to 6-2 overall on the season and 1-0 in GLIAC play.
How it happened:
- The first quarter saw both teams trade baskets early, however, the Lakers opened up a five-point lead before the media timeout. SVSU responded however by going on a 9-2 run to close out the quarter and take a 15-13 lead behind eight first-quarter points by Kaitlyn Zarycki.
- The second was a defensive battle, as SVSU outscored GVSU 9-6 in the quarter and took a 24-19 halftime lead. A three-pointer by Maddie Barrie and baskets by Zarycki was all the Cardinals needed as the Lakers struggled in the period.
- Tori DePerry got the scoring started for the Cardinals in the third quarter, as SVSU was able to lead by as many as nine points.
- The Lakers were able to get within five points heading into the final quarter.
- In the fourth quarter, GVSU was able to get within three points with 3:26 remaining. But the Cardinals were able to seal the victory thanks to a huge jump shot from the wing by Zarycki with 21 seconds left. Following that, SVSU was able to hit its free throws down the stretch and pull off the win.
Inside the Box Score:
- Zarycki, the reigning GLIAC Player of the Week, led all players with 25 points on 7-16 shooting. She was also 10-11 from the free-throw line and grabbed six rebounds in 39 minutes of action.
- Maddie Maloney posted 10 points for SVSU.
- Kyndall Spires and Tyler Scheid each had six rebounds for the Cardinals.
- SVSU was 16-52 from the field, 3-19 from deep, and 16-19 from the free-throw line. GVSU was 13-49 from the field, 3-20 from deep, and 16-22 from the line.
- The Lakers were led by Emily Spitzley and Rylie Bisballe with 15 points each.
From Head Coach Jenny Pruett:
" When we saw this game on the schedule we knew our nonconference schedule would have us ready to compete on the road to a top team in our conference. It was a big win to open up GLIAC play and definitely sets the tone for the rest of the season."
"Kaitlyn Zarycki is locked into the success of this team. It's never about her. She just wants to win. And when you have that mentality you do what it takes, I'm not shocked that she is playing so well. She puts a lot of hard work in and it's paying off."
"Keys to tonight's victory was for everyone to play their role and be positive. When we are all locked in our team dynamic is awesome."
Up Next:
The Cardinals will travel to Davenport University for a GLIAC matchup with the Panthers. Tip-off is set for 1 pm Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich.