BLOG 12: Bulldogs have to shake off loss to Lewis; focus now on GVSU

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State University players Andrea Clancy (left) and Ashley Fleming (right) battle during practice (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Some tough regional competition right off the bat should have Ferris State University battle-tested as it heads to Allendale this Monday evening (Dec.1) to take on archrival Grand Valley State University in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

The Bulldogs, who have yet to play at home this season through three games, have a little more roadwork to take care of this week. The league action begins for head coach Tracey Dorow’s squad against the rival Lakers in a special Monday evening battle. It will be an intriguing test between two teams with capable veterans mixed in with talented newcomers that have comprised good recruiting classes for both programs.

Early in the season, Ferris’ success has been built on a solid foundation of some sharp shooting from senior guard and team captain Teghan Thelen. Thelen, as many people will remember, was on fire with her shooting during the Kentucky Wesleyan Lady Panther Classic in Owensboro, Ky. The Bulldogs defeated Kentucky Wesleyan and fell to Indianapolis. Tuesday, Ferris stumbled a bit on the road in a hard-fought loss to Lewis in Romeoville, Ill.

In the most recent game, at Lewis (a 77-66 loss on Nov. 25), the Bulldogs stumbled to a slow start out of the gates as the Flyers happily took advantage. The good news, however, is Ferris turned on the jets after the slow start and climbed back into the game. More good news, in spite of the loss, is the contributions from the post players. The post players, led by 6-1 senior Jenna Guay (18 points and five rebounds in the loss at Lewis), may need to be at their best against the Lakers. The guards also have to be aggressive in attacking and scoring. If the Bulldogs can get much-needed contributions from the post, that should open the floor for the guards, including Thelen.

The Lakers (3-1) are loaded on the perimeter as well, led by senior guard Kim Wyngaard, who is capable of dominating performances out of the backcourt. She is averaging 12.8 points. Talented newcomers Emma Veach and Jasmine Padin have injected some new life into the GVSU program. The Lakers are coming off a 73-62 loss at nationally-ranked Drury (Nov. 22).

The Bulldogs and Lakers have a common opponent this season: Kentucky Wesleyan. Ferris beat the Panthers 83-77 on Nov. 15 while Grand Valley was a 57-50 winner over KWC on Nov. 21 at a neutral site.

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