GVSU Women's Basketball
Captures National Title

Lakers' dominant season closes on top of Division II

Grand Valley players celebrating joyfully together on court after winning the NCAA Division II National Championship, surrounded by falling confetti.

Photo by Cory Morse

Photo by Cory Morse

Story by Thomas Chavez
Photos by Cory Morse and Emily Riddle

The GVSU Women’s Basketball team’s season came to a close with confetti falling and a trophy hoisted in the air. For the second time in program history, the Lakers are Division II National Champions. The Lakers finish as the top team after a dominant season.

Two Grand Valley basketball players wearing championship shirts lying on the court, smiling and making "confetti angels" amidst blue and white confetti.

GVSU celebrates the 70-58 win over Cal-State Dominguez Hills in the NCAA Division II National Championship at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh on March 28. (Photo by Cory Morse)

GVSU celebrates the 70-58 win over Cal-State Dominguez Hills in the NCAA Division II National Championship at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh on March 28. (Photo by Cory Morse)

The Lakers finished their season with a 38-2 record, including a 19-1 record in the GLIAC.

The Lakers opened the season on an 11-game winning streak, including a three game sweep in the Division II Conference Comissioners Association Tipoff Classic in Billings, Mont.

"We had a very talented and closely connected group who took ownership this year. They had a vision at the beginning of the year and put the time and energy into making that vision become a reality."

– Coach Mike Williams

Grand Valley basketball coaches standing courtside, actively coaching and providing instructions during a game.

The team won the GLIAC Tournament in a 79-48 victory over the Ferris State Bulldogs, the rivals’ third time playing each other in the season. Grand Valley swept their rivals this season, with each victory coming by a double-digit margin.

Grand Valley basketball players standing and enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines during a game, expressing excitement and encouragement.

Black and white photo of two female basketball players talking on the bench, while another player sits apart, looking away. Spectators visible in the background.

Rylie and Mackenzie Bisballe talk on the bench after the first quarter, taking a moment to regroup and prepare for the next quarter. (Photo by Emily Riddle)

Rylie and Mackenzie Bisballe talk on the bench after the first quarter, taking a moment to regroup and prepare for the next quarter. (Photo by Emily Riddle)

GVSU advanced past Gannon University and Pittsburg State in the Elite Eight and Final Four before defeating California State-Dominguez Hills 70-58 in the Division II Tournament National Championship Game.

Grand Valley women's basketball players smiling and touching a basketball together during a pre-game huddle, with fans seated in the background.

“On behalf of the entire GVSU community, I want to congratulate our women's basketball team on becoming National Champions. This title reflects the consistent excellence that GVSU women's basketball is known for, and it’s been a joy to watch their season-long journey to this title. These student-athletes embody success on and off the court, and Lakers around the world are celebrating with them!”

– President Philomena V. Mantella

President Philomena V. Mantella, cheers with (from left) husband Robert Avery, assistant AD Josh Borger and Steve Workman as GVSU takes on Cal-State Dominguez Hills during the NCAA Division II National Championship at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh on March 28. (Photo by Cory Morse)
Grand Valley State University athletes, cheerleaders, staff, and fans celebrating on a basketball court after winning a championship, surrounded by blue and white confetti.

GVSU celebrates the 70-58 win over Cal-State Dominguez Hills in the NCAA Division II National Championship at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh on March 28. (Photo by Cory Morse)

GVSU celebrates the 70-58 win over Cal-State Dominguez Hills in the NCAA Division II National Championship at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh on March 28. (Photo by Cory Morse)