GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Grand Valley State University earned a spot in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Elite Eight after winning the Midwest Regional on their home court on Monday night. The Lakers held off a late surge from Ashland University to win the championship, 62-50, moving to 35-2.
A defensive battle ensued in the first quarter, as GVSU held Ashland to nine points and scored 11. GVSU shot 47 percent in the second quarter, outscoring Ashland 18-14 for a six-point halftime lead, 29-23. GVSU had an 11-point lead in the quarter before Ashland trimmed it to six at the half.
GVSU had a strong fourth quarter, extending its lead to 14 points, 60-46, with 25 seconds left in the game. Ashland had the lead down to five, 46-41, with 7:16 to go in the game, but a 5-0 run in just over two minutes by GVSU put the lead at 10, 51-41. In the last two minutes of the game, GVSU was 7-of-8 from the line to keep the lead in double digits and secure the 12-point win.
Paige Vanstee was named the Midwest Regional Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, leading the team with 15 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Rylie Bisballe made the All-Tournament team with 10 points, four steals, and four rebounds.
GVSU will play in the Elite Eight in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the matchups will be announced later this week.