Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's women's basketball team secured a spot in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (GLIAC) Tournament Semifinals after defeating the University of Wisconsin-Parkside 65-52. This victory was crucial for Wayne State, which is ranked sixth in the Midwest Region according to the latest NCAA regional poll.

In the first quarter, Wayne State took an early lead with a score of 18-4, thanks to Shea Tripp's efforts. However, Wisconsin-Parkside responded by narrowing the gap to 20-14 by the end of the quarter. The second quarter saw both teams exchanging baskets, with Wayne State maintaining a slim lead at halftime.

The third quarter began with Sheridan Flauger tying the game for Wisconsin-Parkside, but Wayne State quickly regained control with a 9-0 run. By the end of this period, Wayne State led 55-41. In the final quarter, both teams struggled to score initially, but Wayne State managed to maintain its lead and secure the win.

Wayne State shot 48 percent from the field and excelled from beyond the arc with a 44 percent success rate. They also out-rebounded Wisconsin-Parkside and capitalized on turnovers effectively.

Shea Tripp led Wayne State with a double-double performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. McKenna Ferguson contributed 12 points and seven assists. Alyssa Leister played strong defense against Wisconsin-Parkside's forwards while adding nine points herself.

For Wisconsin-Parkside, Chloe Van Zeeland and Sheridan Flauger were notable contributors with double-digit scores. Lillie Petersen was effective on rebounds for her team.

Wayne State will now face Grand Valley State in the GLIAC Tournament Semifinals on March 8 at GVSU Fieldhouse Arena.