BLOG 21: Bulldog women’s basketball solid at mid-season point

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State women’s basketball player Ashley Fleming goes up for a shot during a home game against Marygrove in Wink Arena (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – The second half of Ferris State University’s women’s basketball season is the land of hardwood opportunity.

The Bulldogs are 3-6 overall and 1-4 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings. But, there remains plenty of basketball left to be played for Ferris – which returns to action Jan. 8 with a road trip to Sault Ste. Marie to take on Lake Superior State University. Two days later, the Bulldogs finish that road swing with a trip to University Center to take on Saginaw Valley State University on Jan. 10.

The Bulldogs remain focused on stepping up their defensive intensity and using defense to generate offense. At times, Ferris has been successful with that approach this season – as opposed to simply running and gunning to put a lot of points on the board. The outscore-your-opponents concept is an intriguing one, but women’s basketball head coach Tracey Dorow believes success is founded on strong defense and tenacious rebounding.

Statistically, the Bulldogs have been slightly been better than their opponents throughout the season and that’s good. But, Ferris must be even better with more tough GLIAC games on the horizon.

Just as is the case with the men’s basketball team, a key component of success could be the women’s squad’s ability to play with greater consistency (offensively and defensively). Teghan Thelen, Caitlin Hutchison and Tiara Adams have probably been the most consistent players (particularly from a scoring standpoint). When Ferris has gotten a more well-rounded contribution it has been tough to handle.

Hopefully the Bulldogs’ dominating win over Marygrove will create some more of that high level of confidence that will lead to more balance and consistency.

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