GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team opened the final weekend series of the 2021 season at Davenport University Friday in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Cardinals opened an early lead, outscoring the Panthers 20-12 in the first, and led the rest of the way in a 64-48 win. The victory pushes SVSU to 8-9 overall and 8-9 in the GLIAC heading into the regular-season finale.

SVSU was strong from the outside, led by Maddie Barrie with 17 points, including five made 3-pointers. Jessica Massey came off the bench to provide 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, hitting three 3-pointers. Massey also recorded a team-high five assists.

"We were down one player today and have been talking about other people stepping up," SVSU Head Coach Jenny Pruett said. "Jess (Massey) took that message and ran with it. I'm so proud of the way she stepped up when the team needed her. She has been working so hard and she was ready for this moment."

Reigning GLIAC Player of the Week Kaitlyn Zarycki added 12 points and six rebounds, while Victoria Stafford recorded 11 points and five rebounds.

The Cardinals shot 23-of-52 from the field, 10-of-24 from deep, and 8-of-11 at the line, finishing with 13 assists, five steals, and 17 turnovers.

Toni Grace led the Panthers with 15 points, including three 3-pointers.

The Cardinals close the regular season against the Panthers at noon on Saturday in Grand Rapids.