By Grace Howard
The Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team showed dominance during a home against the Lake Michigan College Red Hawks on Wednesday night, winning 78–49. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Raiders never gave up the lead in this electric game.
The Raiders wasted no time establishing control, outscoring the Red Hawks 19–11 in the first quarter. The Raiders’ defense gave LMC a run for their money, forcing 23 turnovers that led to 20 points. Sophomore Ava Schultz set the pace with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double, dominating on both ends of the floor.
The second quarter saw GRCC extend their lead to 35–22 at halftime, redshirt freshman Olivia McKellar was a key player for the Raiders in this quarter. McKellar went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc and finished with 16 points.
After halftime, the Raiders heated up in the third quarter, outscoring the Red Hawks 25–12. Schultz, McKellar and redshirt freshman Tianna Daye combined for 18 of GRCC’s points in the period, with Daye adding four assists and six steals for the game. GRCC’s ball movement around the court was key, as the team ended with 22 assists, including 11 from sophomore Tia Richard.
The Raiders’ bench stood out by contributing 21 points. Freshman Tatyana Hardiman lit up the court with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while freshman Katelyn VanAtter added eight points and five rebounds.
Despite a great effort, LMC struggled offensively, shooting just 28.3% from the field and 5.9% from 3-point range. Sophomore Eleah Hedstrom led the Red Hawks with 14 points and four rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Raiders defense. Sophomore Madison Flowers added 12 points and six rebounds, while freshman Carlee Rynearson had nine points.
This marked the Raiders’ first conference win of the season, improving their record to 3–7. When asked what they focused on this week after a tough loss on Saturday, Head Coach David Glazier said, “Just to continue to try to be who we’re trying to be.”
With this win, the Raiders prepare to play at Southwestern Michigan College on Saturday, Jan. 19, hoping to improve their conference record to 2-1.
