Grand Valley State recap
Kayla Steward scored 17 points for the Maryville women's basketball team but Grand Valley State used a big second half to pull away for a 74-50 victory Friday in Allendale, Mich. The contest was the season opener for both teams.
 
What Happened
GVSU scored the first six points of the game before Steward drilled a 3-pointer for the Saints. Maryvile was still down 13-9 until Steward converted a layup, and UU Longs sank a 3-pointer for a 14-13 lead. GVSU hit two free throws to lead 15-14 after one quarter. Steward scored to open the second, and later a jumper by Hunter Stidham was good for an 18-17 edge. Katie Diakhaby sank a jumper to trim the GVSU lead to 21-20 but the Lakers took a 30-24 cushion at halftime.
 
In the second half, Longs hit a jumper to pull the Saints to 38-34 with 5:45 to play in the third before the Lakers went on a 14-0 run to break the game open. Stidham sank a 3-pointer to end the GVSU run but the Saints never could trim the deficit to single digits. UU Longs chipped in 10 points for Maryville.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Kayla Steward – 17
Rebounds: Stephanie Sherwood – 6
Assists: Kayla Steward – 3
Steals: Mary Barton – 3
Blocks: Katie Diakhaby – 2
 
Records
Maryville: 0-1
Grand Valley State: 1-0
 
What's Next?
The Saints make the short trip to Grand Rapids, Mich., to face Davenport Saturday at 3 p.m. CT.