By Kevin Lopez
First home game of the season, first win of the season as the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team defeats Lansing Community College, 53-43. It was a showcase of the Raiders defense as they held the discombobulated Stars to just 43 points and forced them to shoot 25% from the field, while the Stars struggled to run their plays throughout the game.
Marlene Bussler, a sophomore guard, led the team in scoring with an efficient and dazzling 22 points. Bussler was able to cut through the defense with her speed and scoring off the dribble, while also draining three 3-pointers for the game, including a 4-point play. Sally Merrill also chipped in with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the game.
GRCC’s women’s basketball coach David Glazier expressed happiness with Bussler’s performance.
“As she goes we go some nights,” Glazier said. “She’s just energy and effort, there’s just not enough words to describe her, other than for you to come and see for yourself.”
Bussler remained humble and wanted to focus on the team.
“We are a team, and we always need that spark and it just happened to be me tonight,” Bussler said. “I’m a pass first player, I’m always looking for my teammates, but I took the opportunities I had.”
Glazier was happy with the win and how the team played defensively, but was still looking to improve the offense.
“We definitely left some points off the board,” Glazier said. “It is an improvement from the last game, but we missed some… that we should have hit, but that’s a part of the growth.”
The Raiders are looking to continue their success against their next opponent as they play in Alma, Michigan against Alma College JV on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
