UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — The Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season on Friday night, falling 69–64 to Northwood University in a tight contest at James E. O'Neill Arena.
The Cardinals (0–1) battled through 12 ties and four lead changes before Northwood (1–0) used a late run in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
The Meijer Player of the Game, Megan McCalla (Chelsea, Mich. / Chelsea HS), led SVSU with 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting while adding nine rebounds and three assists. Lydia Meredith (Portland, Mich. / Portland St. Patrick's HS) added 10 points, three rebounds, and three steals, and Beckham Hockley (Tampa, Fla. / Sickles HS) provided a spark off the bench with nine points on three three-pointers. Kaitlyn Geurink (Hamilton, Mich. / Hamilton HS) added eight points and eight rebounds, while Bella Paradowski (Melbourne, Australia / CRC Sydenham) and Lauren Borsenik (Hemlock, Mich. / Hemlock HS) each chipped in seven and six points, respectively.
Each quarter showcased a one-point victory for a team until the fourth when Northwood outscored Saginaw Valley 20-14. After trailing 16–15 at the end of the first quarter, SVSU took a 31–30 lead into halftime behind a pair of triples from Hockley. The Cardinals extended their advantage to 50–49 after three quarters, but the Timberwolves used five free throws to end the game to take the win.
Northwood's Lea Holmes led all scorers with 26 points, while Maeve St. John added 14 points and nine rebounds.
SVSU out-rebounded the Timberwolves 44–36 and scored 38 points in the paint but was limited by 20 turnovers. Northwood capitalized with 20 points off turnovers and shot 41% from the floor compared to the Cardinals' 40%.
Head coach Jenny Pruett had this to say after the game,
"One of our biggest things has been to out rebound people and I was really proud of them for that effort. Northwood is a gritty team and to outrebound them is impressive. We just have to take care of the ball."
Up Next: Saginaw Valley has very little time between games as SVSU host Findlay on Saturday, November 15. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM between the Cardinals and Oilers.