BLOG 34: Women playing some of their best ball

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University’s Jenna Guay (32) gets down on the floor to recover a loose basketball (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – It has taken some time for the pieces to begin to fit together, but now things are looking up for the Ferris State University women’s basketball team.

Ferris has won three straight including victories over Findlay and most recently a Thursday upset of No. 12 Michigan Tech (67-62) and Saturday in overtime vs. Northern Michigan (57-50). A strong road win over the Oilers followed by a win over a nationally-ranked team and another win over a team fighting for its post-season life might be evidence this team is playing better basketball coming down the stretch run.

Right now, Ferris is playing a more confident and purposeful brand of college basketball these days. The Bulldogs have picked things up a bit at the defensive end and are enjoying a more balanced scoring sheet. Head coach Tracey Dorow has been pleased to see her team move closer to being the team that was so impressive in its GLIAC opener – a Dec. 1 road win at Grand Valley.

In recent games, Ferris has had inspired interior play from 6-1 hard-working senior Ashley Fleming to go with the usual outside shooting fireworks of senior guard Teghan Thelen. Against Northern, it may not have been a pretty win – but, a win is a win.

Another big positive coming down the stretch has been point guard play that continues to get better and better. Ferris has two good point guards in Chelsea Simonetti and Becci Houdek who have been playing better basketball as the season has progressed. Additionally, young players like freshman shooting guard Kelsey DeNoyelles continue to emerge as players who will be heard from in big ways in the years to come.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com