WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Set For NCAA Action

Ferris' Nikki Arner goes up for two. (Photo/
Scott Whitney)

Ferris State University is back in a familiar place to get back to work. This time, however, even more is arguably on the line as the Bulldogs begin NCAA Division II Tournament action in Ashland, Ohio.

The Bulldogs, seeded second in the region, open against No. 7 Drury University early Friday afternoon, with tip off scheduled for 2:30 p.m. from Kates Gymnasium. This is the fourth time for the Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament as a program and this squad is hungry to advance in pursuit of making history.

Ferris comes in with a record of 22-6 while the Panthers enter the tournament with a record of 20-7. So, expect a tough battle for the Bulldogs. Of course, that really is nothing new for teams when it comes down to NCAA Tournament competition.

Ferris is 2-2 all time against Drury, but has dropped its last two. None of that will mean a whole lot for these two teams as they step on the court.

Bethanie Funderburk, a second-year guard, is the top scorer for the Panthers this season averaging 15.4 points.

Sophomore guard Sarah DeShone is leading the Bulldogs in scoring this season at 14.4 points per game. She also leads the team with 128 assists. Senior guard Tricia Principe is averaging 11.1 points while Nikki Arner is averaging 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year Christina Branch is averaging 9.7 points and 8.3 rebounds.

Friday, March 9NCAA-II Midwest Regional Quarterfinal
Ferris State vs. Drury (Mo.), 2:30 p.m.
Live On Sunny 97.3 FM & Bulldog Sports Network (Pregame @ 2 p.m.)