Dec. 1, 2007

SAULT STE. MARIE - Grand Valley State held Lake Superior State to seven first-half field goals to build a nine-point halftime lead and went on to beat LSSU, 77-66, in the women's basketball home opener in Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday.

Grand Valley State (4-2 overall, 1-0 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) survived a second-half charge by LSSU that included four three-pointers by redshirt freshman Shelle Rochon during the final six minutes. Rochon came off the bench and led the Lakers (2-4 overall, 0-2 GLIAC) in scoring with 15 points. Katherine LaPrairie also scored 15.

GVSU held LSSU shooters to 28 percent from the field during the opening 20 minutes and led 31-22 at halftime. Grand Valley State extended its lead to 44-22 four and a half minutes into the second half.

Rochon's third three-pointer followed an Alyssa VanderWal layup and cut the margin to 11 points, 70-59, with 2:49 to go. She hit another one at 1:15 to bring the Lakers within 10 points, 74-64.

LSSU shot a much-improved 50 percent in the second half, but GVSU also improved and hit at a 63.6 percent clip. Four Grand Valley State players scored in double figures led by veteran Crystal Zick with 19 points.

Shalyn Beauchamp added nine points, and Emily Joseph and VanderWal had eight each for Lake Superior State. VanderWal also led the Lakers in rebounds with seven. LSSU out-rebounded GVSU, 45-36.

GVSU shot 45.6 percent from the field and made 20-of-35 free throws. LSSU shot 41.0 percent from the field for the game and was 7-of-14 at the line.

Lake Superior State continues its homestand at 5:30 p.m. Thursday against Gannon.