December 17, 2012 - Seven minutes into Monday night's GLIAC game between Hillsdale College and Ferris State University, the Chargers found themselves behind by 13 points. But giving up was simply not an option for this team.
The Hillsdale College women's basketball team battled back, turning what could have been a blowout into a tense, exciting contest before falling to the Bulldogs 76-63 at Jesse Philips Arena. Hillsdale (4-5 overall, 1-5 GLIAC) is now off from game action until after the new year, when it plays at Wayne State on Thursday, Jan. 3.
Ferris State sprinted out to a big start and led by as many as 19 points in this game. But Hillsdale gathered itself and went on a 14-2 run that started late in the first half to cut the lead to as slim as three, 42-39, early in the second half, and the team was playing with heart and effort. But the Chargers could not overcome the deficit, thanks in part to the crafty productivity of Ferris State guard Sarah DeShone.
DeShone frustrated the Chargers with an assortment of bank shots and baskets on the move as she finished with a game-high 27 points, going 9-for-12 fro the floor and 7-for-9 from the free throw line. Many of her points came late in the shot clock, after Hillsdale had already turned in a strong defensive possession, helping to keep momentum from swinging too far in the Chargers' direction.
Helping to keep Hillsdale in the game was the outstanding play of sophomore forward Megan Fogt, who turned in another terrific game. She led the Chargers with 22 points and 11 rebounds, her seventh double-double in nine games this season. She went 10-for-12 from the free throw line, and despite seeing suffocating defensive pressure from the Bulldogs, made six of her 10 shots from the field. Fogt also blocked four shots in the game.
Sophomore Kadie Lowery scored 10 points and had four rebounds and three assists in 21 productive minutes on the floor for Hillsdale. Junior Marissa DeMott scored nine on three 3-point shots, while senior Lea Jones had eight points, four rebounds, three assists and four steals.
Ferris State hot 50 percent from the field compared to 33 for the Chargers, and FSU held a 22-9 edge on points off turnovers in the game.