The GVSU women's basketball team celebrates their NCAA championship victory.
The Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team has achieved a remarkable victory by winning the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship. Celebrated on March 28, 2025, this win represents GVSU’s second national title, ending a 19-year championship drought. The Lakers showcased a stellar season with a record of 38 wins and 2 losses. Their championship journey saw them dominate the tournament, culminating in a triumphant 70-58 victory over California State University, Dominguez Hills. This historic moment marks a significant achievement in GVSU’s athletics history.
In a thrilling turn of events, the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) women’s basketball team has brought home the gold by clinching the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship. This momentous victory, celebrated on March 28, 2025, not only marks a triumphant return after a 19-year championship drought, but it also secures GVSU’s second national title, the first being in 2006.
This season has been nothing short of spectacular for the Lakers, who finished with a remarkable record of 38 wins and 2 losses. This impressive tally represents the highest number of single-season wins in the program’s history and showcases the dedication and hard work put in by the entire team. Competing in a challenging tournament with a field of 64 teams (including 23 automatic bids), the Lakers started their championship journey in style.
GVSU’s path to the championship was paved with determination and grit. Kicking off the tournament on March 24, 2025, the Lakers met Gannon University in the NCAA Elite Eight and triumphed with a scoring blowout of 60-32. This victory propelled them to the Final Four, where they faced Pittsburgh State and came out on top with a score of 68-61 on March 26. Each game displayed the Lakers’ ability to not just compete but dominate.
The final showdown took place at the stunning UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, located in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as GVSU squared off against California State University, Dominguez Hills. The game started with the Lakers taking charge early and leading by 38-21 at halftime. The energy was electric as fans cheered, feeling the excitement of history being made. In the end, GVSU sealed the victory with a final score of 70-58.
shining bright in the championship game was freshman guard MacKenzie Bisballe, who led the team in scoring with 14 points. Her older sister and senior guard Rylie Bisballe was right behind her, contributing 13 points to the Lakers’ success. Not to be outdone, redshirt senior guard Ellie Droste stepped up with an additional 11 points, showcasing the depth and talent of the team.
For Cal State Dominguez Hills, this game marked their national championship debut, ending with a commendable record of 36-2. However, all eyes were on GVSU as they celebrated not just a championship, but a significant milestone in their athletics history, making it the 30th national championship for Grand Valley State overall. This thrilling win is the first for the school since the women’s cross-country team achieved the same feat in 2023.
As the confetti fell and the celebrations erupted, the head coach reflected on the team’s journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work and a sense of fun throughout the tournament. The women’s basketball team has truly shown that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible in the world of sports. With a dominant postseason performance—winning five of six tournament games by double digits—the Lakers have etched their names into the annals of sports history, and fans can’t wait to see what next season brings!
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