KENOSHA, Wis. – Parkside's attempt to recreate last season's shocker came up short Thursday night, as No. 1 Grand Valley State controlled the paint and used a decisive rebounding edge to pull away for a 66-47 win over the Rangers inside De Simone Arena.
Cassidy Arni led Parkside with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, but the Rangers struggled to generate consistent offense against the nation's top-ranked team and were held to 35% from the field (18-of-51) while going 3-of-19 from three (16%). Katie Hamill finished with 13 points, scoring all of her points after halftime, but Parkside couldn't overcome a decisive disparity in the paint and on the glass.
Grand Valley State set the tone early with its size and physicality, turning a tight first quarter into control by the break. The Lakers led 20-10 after one, then limited Parkside to eight points in the second quarter while building a 34-18 halftime advantage. Parkside's offense was bogged down by turnovers and contested looks, finishing the night with 22 turnovers that repeatedly kept the Rangers from stringing stops into scoring runs.
The Rangers made their push coming out of the locker room. Parkside's best quarter was the third, scoring 21 points to stay within striking distance, but Grand Valley State answered each surge and carried a 52-39 lead into the fourth. The Lakers then slammed the door with a 12-8 final period, holding Parkside without a field goal for long stretches while extending the margin to the final 19-point difference.
The story was the interior. Grand Valley State won the rebounding battle 44-34 and dominated points in the paint, 48-26, repeatedly turning post touches and rim runs into high-percentage looks. The Lakers also created separation with extra possessions and transition chances, finishing with a 15-4 edge in second-chance points and a 12-6 advantage in fast-break scoring. Grand Valley State's bench provided another lift, outscoring Parkside's reserves 26-6.
All five Laker starters scored at least eight points, led by MacKenzie Bisballe's 17 points off the bench on 8-of-12 shooting. Paige VanStee posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Hannah Scanlon added 10. Nicole Kamin finished with nine points and nine assists as Grand Valley State totaled 16 assists on 28 made field goals.
For Parkside, Arni's 16 points paced the attack, while Peighton Nelson added eight points and a team-high three assists as the Rangers finished with nine assists on 20 baskets. Parkside also got six rebounds from Lillie Petersen, but the Rangers couldn't flip the matchup inside, and Grand Valley State's shot-blocking (seven blocks) helped keep Parkside away from clean finishes at the rim.
Parkside will return to action Saturday, Jan. 24, hosting Davenport at 1 p.m. CT inside De Simone Arena.
To keep up with the Rangers, be sure to visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
