By Grace Howard
Despite a defensive effort and amazing performances from key players, the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team came up short in a 53-40 loss at Muskegon Community College on Saturday afternoon. The Raiders had a lot of grit and hustle in this game but struggled on offense and with turnovers, which ultimately tipped the balance in favor of the Jayhawks.
The Raiders’ defense really stood out in the first half, holding Muskegon to just 23 points and limiting their shooting to 31.8% from the field. Sophomore Ava Schultz and freshman Tatyana Hardiman were a huge part in controlling the paint, while redshirt freshman Tianna Daye was a catalyst on both ends of the floor.
However, GRCC’s offense struggled to find itself. The Raiders only had 17 points in the first half, shooting 27.3% from the field and failing to hit a single 3-pointer in the second quarter. Muskegon’s sophomores TyVeonna Davis and Arrionna Williams capitalized on GRCC’s missed opportunities, combining for 27 points and helping the Jayhawks go into halftime with a 23-17 lead.
GRCC came out strong in the third quarter, with Schultz hitting a 3-pointer and improving their shooting to 35.3% from the field. Hardiman’s effort on the boards and Daye’s amazing drives helped keep the Raiders in the game, but turnovers remained a big issue. GRCC gave up 24 turnovers, leading to 16 points for Muskegon.
The fourth quarter saw the Raiders’ offense slow down again, they went 0-for-8 from 3-point range and managed only two free throws. Muskegon’s bench stepped up late, with freshman Jayna Edmondson hitting three crucial 3-pointers to get the victory.
While GRCC’s defense held Muskegon to 31.1% shooting overall, the Raiders struggled to use their own chances. They managed to shoot only 28.1% from the field, including going 2-for-24 from three-point range. Despite grabbing 15 offensive rebounds, GRCC managed to only gain seven second chance points. .
Schultz led the Raiders with a strong performance, tallying 12 points, nine rebounds and a steal. Daye also played a crucial role, logging 10 points, five rebounds and a team-high of 38 minutes on the court.
With a 1-4 record, the Raiders will look to bounce back in their next matchup at Davenport University, playing Cuyahoga Community College on Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
