UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball fell to No. 17 Ferris State, 93–65, on Saturday afternoon inside James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena. The Bulldogs shot over 50 percent from the field and used a strong fourth quarter to secure the GLIAC victory.
Meijer Player of the Game, Megan McCalla (Chelsea, Mich. / Chelsea HS) led Saginaw Valley with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting and added nine rebounds. Lydia Meredith (Portland, Mich. / Portland St. Patrick's HS) contributed 20 points, five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and a block, hitting the 250 career assists and steal mark. She is currently eighth all-time for SVSU in steals with 252. Lauren Borsenik (Hemlock, Mich. / Hemlock HS) added nine points and seven rebounds. Kaitlyn Geurink (Hamilton, Mich. / Hamilton HS) chipped in six points and Lainey Yater (McDonald, Pa. / South Fayette HS) dished out four assists.
Ferris State opened the game on a 13–2 run and shot 53.3 percent in the first quarter to take a 25–15 lead after one. McCalla provided an early spark with a layup and later knocked down a three-pointer at the buzzer, while Meredith added a triple midway through the frame. In the second quarter, the Bulldogs extended the lead to double figures, but the Cardinals responded behind Meredith's outside shooting and McCalla's work inside. Borsenik connected from three in the final minute, and Meredith scored twice late to help SVSU trim the margin before halftime, as Ferris State carried a 44–31 advantage into the break.
Saginaw Valley delivered its most efficient stretch in the third quarter, shooting 81.8 percent from the field. McCalla and Meredith combined for 15 points in the period, with Meredith's three-pointer cutting the deficit to 51–50 midway through the frame. Borsenik and Geurink added key baskets as the Cardinals pulled within two on multiple possessions, but Ferris State answered late to push the lead back to nine entering the fourth. The Bulldogs then pulled away in the final quarter, knocking down five three-pointers and shooting 68.8 percent in the period to outscore SVSU 30–11 and seal the 93–65 result.
Saginaw Valley shot 39.7 percent (23-of-58) from the field and 26.9 percent (7-of-26) from three-point range, while going 12-of-17 (70.6 percent) at the free-throw line. The Cardinals held a 36–29 rebounding advantage and matched Ferris State with eight second-chance points. The Bulldogs shot 53.6 percent (30-of-56) overall and 47.6 percent (10-of-21) from beyond the arc, converted 23-of-25 free throws, and scored 23 points off turnovers.
Up Next: Saginaw Valley women's basketball is back at home next week when they host No. 3 Grand Valley on Thursday, February 19. The Cardinals and Lakers tip off at 5:30 PM at James E. O'Neill Arena.
