GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Bay Norse Women's Basketball Team (1-0) got off to a strong start, clipping the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders (0-1) by a final score of 65-54 in the regular season opener.
A 10-0 run midway through the first quarter would open up a lead for the Norse that they would never surrender. The Raiders would snap that run with a couple of baskets to pull within five, but Bay would score the next six, taking a 25-14 lead after quarter of play.
The road team would shoot it well in the first half, helping them maintain a double-digit lead throughout the second quarter. Grand Rapids CC would close it to a ten-point lead with 6:27 remaining in the half, but the Bay College defense would shut them down from that point. The Raiders would hit just one more field goal the rest of the half, allowing the Norse to go to half time on an 11-4 run. Bay shot 40% from the floor in the half, including five of eleven from three. The Raiders would struggle against Bay's full court pressure, turning the ball over 18 times during that period. Bay would lead by a score of 40-23 at intermission.
An early scoring drought for the Norse in the second half would keep Bay from extending the lead out of reach. They would go over four minutes without scoring in the third quarter, allowing the Raiders to cut the lead to twelve. The Norse offense cooled off some in the second half, but would maintain a double-digit lead throughout. Bay held on to an 11-point lead to open the season.
Bay College would finish the game shooting 37.9% form the floor. They would outrebound Grand Rapids CC 44-37. The Norse would force 27 turnovers, but had ball control issues of their own, committing 12 in the second half. The Raiders would up shooting 35.3% and connected on six of 14 from behind the three-point arc.
"It was a good team effort and a good team win tonight," said Head Coach Rob Robinson. "It's always nice to win, especially on the road. I am proud of the effort that this team puts forth every day, and their hard work showed tonight. It was a great way to start the season."
Rayven Moody (SO, Kentwood, MI) led the Raiders with 14 points and five rebounds. Eurasia Green-Boyd (FR, Grand Rapids, MI) added 11 points and four assists.
Kaitlyn Hardwick (SO, Gladstone, MI) ended her night with 13 points and four rebounds. Holly Wardynski (FR, Ontonagon, MI) added nine points, while Keshia Davis (SO, St. Ignace, MI) grabbed eight rebounds.
The Norse continue their lower Michigan trip with a matchup against Kellogg Community College on Saturday. Tip off is scheduled for 1 pm.