For the second time in program history, Grand Valley State University’s women’s basketball team won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) National Championship. Making history on Friday, March 28, the Lakers achieved the highest honor in Division II women’s college basketball. The last time GVSU went to the championship was in 2006.
The Lakers began their championship journey on Monday, March 24 by competing in the NCAA Elite Eight against Gannon University. This was the third time in the last 10 seasons that the Lakers competed in the Elite Eight, and the third time advancing to the Final Four after defeating Gannon, 60-32. With a day’s rest, the Lakers took the Final Four win, 68-61, against Pittsburgh State on Wednesday, March 26 after a hard-fought, nail-biting match up.
After spending time in Pittsburgh adapting to the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse court, the Lakers found themselves in the final championship game against California State University, Dominguez Hills. In support of the big game, Laker Nation took over the fieldhouse, as GVSU supplied transportation for students, the marching band, cheerleaders and family. Additionally, other University athletic groups, such as the football and women’s volleyball teams, shared various posts of support and encouragement on Instagram.
“The support (from Laker Nation) has been like no other, and they truly love being there to support us,” said redshirt senior guard Ellie Droste. “Having them at the game on Friday was a game changer. I truly think they shifted the momentum of that game and were able to get in the other team’s head a bit.”
By 7 p.m. on Friday, reality was setting in. Despite the Lakers’ 38-2 record this year, which is also the most single season wins in program history, the championship game was the ultimate test.
The Lakers and Toros met at center court for the first time with high anticipation. Redshirt senior forward Rylie Bisballe produced the first two points of the game with a strong layup in the paint. In retaliation, the Toros went on a seven-point streak just four minutes into play. The Lakers settled into the play style and reciprocated a seven-point run, five of which were from Droste, putting the Lakers in the lead, 9-7. With less than three minutes left in the first quarter, the score was tied 11 all, until the Lakers pushed a late, 6-1 run, ending the quarter 17-12.
Entering the second quarter, the Lakers capitalized on the first quarter’s late momentum by going on a 9-1 hot streak. In that run, the Toros made three turnovers and two missed plays, allowing the Lakers to maximize their control. The score gap reached a high of 19 points at 38-19. With a minute to play, the Toros made the last bucket of the first half, leaving the score 38-21.
In a highly anticipated game, the Lakers were composed and used the pressure to their advantage.
“This championship game was an accumulation of four years of preparation, and our coaches did a really good job of preparing us this season by playing many nationally ranked teams,” said senior guard Abrie Cabana. “We knew we were prepared and capable of winning. We just went out and treated it (the game) like every other game.”
Coming out of the half, the Lakers’ rhythm on the offensive side of the ball continued, as they went on another 9-0 run. Six of the nine points were three-pointers produced by redshirt junior guard Molly Anderson and freshman guard MacKenzie Bisballe. The Toros were determined to stay in the game by pressuring the offensive zone, going on a 17-6 run and only trailing 53-38 at the end of the third quarter.
In the first five minutes of play, the Toros were able to close the gap to 12 points. Each team made strategic substitutions, and GVSU demonstrated the whole team’s strength. Droste feels the student-athlete’s depth this season has impacted their successes.
“I think our experience and depth has made this team so different from previous seasons,” said Droste. “We have people coming off the bench that can pick up right where the previous people left off.”
In a team effort, the Lakers fought to maintain their lead, but the Toros wouldn’t back down. The Toros went on a 13-6 run to get within 10 points of the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough. Droste and Cabana were tested at the free-throw line, and both sunk two each to ice the game away with a final score of 70-58.
As the final buzzer released, confetti decorated the floor, and the crowd roared. Upon hearing the buzzer, Cabana said she felt a variety of emotions all at once.
“Honestly, I was feeling all of the different emotions,” said Cabana. “I felt proud, grateful, fulfilled, overwhelmed, and it was definitely bittersweet.”
On top of the Lakers’ main win, they earned many titles and career highs. Rylie Bisballe received Tournament MVP and scored 13 points with three assists and three steals. MacKenzie Bisballe earned All-Tournament Team honors with a team-high of 14 points, two blocks and two steals. Redshirt junior guard Nicole Kamin was named to the All-Tournament Team with six boards, three assists, three points, and two steals.
The Lakers’ five seniors Rylie Bisballe, Hadley Miller, Droste, Cabana, and Kathryn Schmidt will end their careers with 145 wins, which is the most of any graduating class. The seniors have accomplished four regular season GLIAC titles, three GLIAC tournament titles, two Midwest Regional Championships and now a National Championship title.
As a senior, Cabana touched on what winning a national championship means to her.
“It (winning the NCAA National Championship) definitely means everything,” Cabana said. “I know this is a dream come true for all of us. It honestly feels so surreal, but at the same time, makes so much sense because of all the hard work and dedication we have each put in.”
Reflecting on her career, Droste commented on what she would say to her freshman self.
“I would just say how lucky I am to have been recruited by such a great program,” Droste said. “(I would also say) to soak up every minute because it will fly by.”
