WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Has Work To Do, But It's Early

Ferris State University's Sarah DeShone (22) plays defense against Edinboro's Kerry Connolly (10) during Saturday afternoon's game in the Bulldog Classic in Jim Wink Arena. (Ed Hyde, FSU Photographic Services)

Ferris State University officially opened its women's basketball season during day one of the Bulldog Classic in Jim Wink Arena on Saturday (Nov. 20).

The Bulldogs dropped a 69-60 decision to Edinboro (Pa.) to begin the season 0-1 in spite of a 21-point effort from guard Tricia Principe, who was recognized before the game for leading the NCAA (Division II) in free throw percentage last season. Principe hit 8-of-12 shots from the floor, 3-of-4 from the 3-point arc and grabbed five rebounds as she logged 31 minutes.

"They outscrapped us in every area and we didn't maintain our composure," Ferris head coach Tracey Dorow said. "They pressed us the whole game and we didn't attack it and seemed very timid. They forced us to rush into things and we didn't play smart today," she added.

Becci Houdek added 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Tiara Adams recorded a double-double effort as she scored 10 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

Edinboro proved to be an athletic team that caused the Bulldogs some issues. The Fighting Scots grabbed 29 offensive rebounds and recorded 21 steals. Those hustle points, as Ferris head coach Tracey Dorow called them, helped fuel the Edinboro cause.

The Fighting Scots were led by Kiara Brown, who led all scorers in the game with 22 points while Micki Cerchiaro added 14.

The Bulldogs struggled with rebounding in the contest as Edinboro's athleticism caused problems. Ferris went small, but still had its challenges rebounding. The Fighting Scots had 21 more field-goal attempts than did the Bulldogs (76-55). So, even though Ferris shot a much better field goal percentage (45.5 to 30.3) the offensive rebounds and the steals led to extra opportunities for the visitors.

Sunday, Ferris returns to the court to take on nationally-ranked Gannon (Pa.) University which earned an 80-68 win over Northwood University in the other game of the Bulldog Classic.