March 4, 2022, FLINT, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball is heading to the NJCAA Great Lakes A District Championship after a dominating defensive performance in the semi-finals over Jackson College.
GRCC was up just 21-17 after the first half, but outscored Jackson 34-17 in the second half to win 55-34. The 34 points was a season low for Jackson.
“So proud and happy for this group,” Coach Dave Glazier said. “This was a complete team effort with what might have been our best team performance in the biggest moment so far. Work to be done tomorrow!”
GRCC defense, No. 2 in the league, held opponents to less than 50 points in eight games this year.
The team also out-rebounded Jackson 60-45, and held it to 22.9% shooting.
Sally Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, scored 22 points, including knocking in three of her team's eight three-point baskets. The guard/forward also had a game-high 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end.
Marlene Bussler was credited to her first career double-double after an 11-point, 11-rebound performance.
Allison Kellogg was again a spark off the bench with six points, 10 rebounds and even made her first career triple late in the game.
Grace Lodes, tops in the nation in blocked shots, and No. 3 in the nation for blocked shots per game, had seven blocks, along with six points and six rebounds.
The team will take on either Muskegon Community College or Mid Michigan College in the championship. The game will be played at Mott Community College in Flint at noon on March 5.
Photo by Luis Fernandez.