News Summary
The Grand Valley State University Lakers have secured their second NCAA Division II women’s basketball championship, defeating Cal State Dominguez Hills with a final score of 70-58. This victory marks GVSU’s first national title since 2006 and caps off an impressive season with a record of 38 wins and just 2 losses. Freshman MacKenzie Bisballe led the team with 14 points, while the community celebrates this historic achievement as a proud moment for GVSU.
Grand Valley State University Women’s Basketball Team Shines Bright at NCAA Division II Championship
In an exciting showdown that took place on March 28, the city of Allendale celebrated as the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Lakers captured their second NCAA Division II women’s basketball championship. The Lakers triumphed decisively over Cal State Dominguez Hills (CSDH), clinching the game with a final score of 70-58. This victory not only marks GVSU’s first national title since 2006, but also represents a significant achievement in the heart of Michigan.
A Season to Remember
This championship win is the highlight of a remarkable season for the GVSU Lakers, who wrapped up the year with an impressive record of 38 wins and just 2 losses. With this victory, they proudly earned their place in history as the only Michigan team to secure a national title in Division II women’s basketball. Before the championship match, the team had been riding a remarkable wave of success, having won their last 13 games in a row.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
During the championship game, freshman sensation MacKenzie Bisballe shone bright, leading her team with a solid 14 points. Not to be outdone, her sister, Rylie Bisballe, contributed an impressive 13 points of her own, showcasing the talent that runs in the family. As if that wasn’t enough, teammate Ellie Droste helped buoy the Lakers with an additional 11 points.
Meanwhile, CSDH’s star performer was Asia Jordan, who delivered a strong performance with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Alongside her, Kya Pearson added 11 points in an effort to match the Lakers’ intensity.
How the Game Unfolded
From the tip-off, GVSU showcased their prowess by maintaining a strong lead throughout the game. By halftime, they held a solid advantage, leading 38-21. The Lakers kicked off the second half with a commanding 9-0 run, significantly extending their lead and demoralizing their opponents.
One of the defining aspects of this game was GVSU’s remarkable rebounding. In the first half alone, they out-rebounded CSDH 22 to 11, demonstrating their strength on both ends of the court. Even though the Lakers faced some challenges with 26 turnovers throughout the game, their consistent defense and skilled shooting allowed them to hold on to their lead and ultimately secure the championship.
A Coach’s Milestone
This victory is particularly special for GVSU’s head coach, Mike Williams, who celebrated his first national championship win in his 10th season with the team. Having previously been a part of the coaching staff that led the Lakers to the 2006 championship, this triumph has got to feel immensely satisfying for him. Notably, Dawn Plitzuweit, the coach of GVSU’s previous championship squad, is now leading a program at Minnesota, and her daughter, Lexi Plitzuweit, played a role in the championship, scoring four points.
Celebrating the Achievement
As GVSU’s victory is celebrated throughout Michigan, the significance of this championship resonates deeply within the community. This win is not just a feather in the cap for the Lakers, but a source of pride for all GVSU fans and supporters. With a season that will be remembered fondly, the Lakers have certainly made their mark in NCAA history.
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Additional Resources
- Holland Sentinel: GVSU Women’s Basketball Earns Redemption Trip to Elite Eight
- NCAA: Grand Valley State Wins 2025 DII Women’s Basketball Title
- MLive: How GVSU Women’s Basketball Turned into a National Title Contender
- Detroit News: Grand Valley State Basketball Captures Div II Women’s Title
- Los Angeles Times: Grand Valley State Women Defeats Cal State Dominguez Hills for Division II Title
- Google Search: Grand Valley State University Women’s Basketball
