Welcome back to another episode of Ferris Sports Update! This week our host Rob Bentley is joined by three esteemed Ferris State athletic staff. Bentley is first joined by Kurt Westendorp, head coach of women’s basketball. They go on to highlight this past weekend’s games against Wayne State and Saginaw Valley. Bentley is then joined by Andy Bronkema, head coach of men’s basketball. The Bulldogs came away with two victories against Wayne State and Saginaw Valley this past weekend. To close out the show Bentley is met with Dave Cencer, the assistant coach for bulldog hockey. The Bulldogs faced off against the Bemidji State Beavers in some very intense games on the ice.
Women’s Basketball
First, on Ferris Sports Update, Rob is joined by women’s basketball head coach Kurt Westendorp to talk about the team’s recent homestand against Saginaw Valley and Wayne State.
Image by Ferris State Athletics
On February 15th, the Bulldogs hosted Saginaw Valley. The game was a physical one, with the Bulldogs getting into foul trouble early and both teams battling defensively. The score was 24-21 with Ferris leading at the half, and things continued at the same pace as the first half. The game came down to the final minutes, but the Bulldogs lost this game 47-44. Coach Westendorp noted the absence of veteran leader Mallory McCartney as a part of the team’s struggles but also praised Saginaw Valley’s ability to execute big plays when they needed them to stay in the game.
On February 17th, the team faced off against Wayne State with Mallory McCartney returning from injury. The teams traded baskets to keep the game close going into the half with Ferris leading 37-34. The Bulldogs would pull away in the 2nd half, closing the game out with a win 74-64. Coach Westendorp talked about the impact that McCartney had on the offense with her ability to get players where they need to be to succeed and being in the middle of big plays.
The Bulldogs only have four regular season games to go; this week Thursday and Saturday they play on the road against Grand Valley and Davenport respectively, then close out the season the following week with home games against Wisconsin-Parkside and Purdue Northwest.
Men’s Basketball
Next up, men’s basketball coach Andy Bronkema joins the show. Before discussing this past weekend’s games, Bronkema talks about changes in the team’s lineup recently, and how it is important for team members to be consistent with their work, as well as going above and beyond.
In their first game of the weekend on Thursday night, against Saginaw Valley, the Bulldogs picked up the win, 78-72. After taking a loss to Saginaw a couple of weeks ago, this was a much-needed win for Ferris. Bronkema credits players Jimmy Scholler and Jorden Brooks for their performance, with Scholler pulling off a double-double.
Image by Ferris State Athletics
On Saturday, Ferris picked up another win, this time beating Wayne State 77-69. While the game started out rough, Ferris came back from a drought and scored many points as they were nearing the end of the game. Ethan Erickson and Ben Davidson are given credit for their gameplay, with Ethan scoring 26 points, leading the game.
Bulldog Hockey
Finally, the last guest is Assistant Coach Dave Cencer, going over the two games facing Bemidji State Beavers. Beavers took the lead in the 2nd intermission 2-1, but the bulldogs fought back going into overtime. Sadly, the Bulldogs lost in overtime at 3 minutes and 26 seconds, Adam Flammang hit the last score.
Image by Ferris State Athletics
The second game had a great start, with Stepan Pokorny taking the lead for Ferris at the start of the game. That would be the only score from Ferris with the game being 4-1 Beavers. Dave says that the guys are still playing hard at the end of the 3rd intermission. Make sure to watch them face Northern next week.