March 21, 2023, PORT HURON, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team had a strong first half against the No. 2 team in the nation, but wound up losing in their opening round game of the NJCAA Division II National Basketball Championships on Tuesday.

"Tough outcome against a talented group," head coach David Glazier said. "I thought our kids played a really good first half, but CCBC's depth got the better of us. I'm looking forward to continuing to compete toward our goal of playing on Saturday."

GRCC's basketball team got off to a slow start, scoring just two points after one quarter of play, but bounced back by out-scoring Community College of Baltimore-Essex 18-16 in the second quarter to trail by just 14 points at the half.

GRCC couldn't cut into the lead any further, and CCBC-Essex, whose only loss this year was to the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, cruised to the 87-40 victory.

Point guard Marlene Bussler led the team with 17 points on seven-of-18 from the field, and grabbed six rebounds.  Last week's district tournament Most Valuable Player, Sally Merrill, led the team with 10 rebounds.  Grace Lodes tallied eight points and six rebounds.

GRCC's next game will be at 9 a.m. on Thursday against 10-seeded North Central Missouri College who lost their opener to No. 7 Pima Community College 69-66. 

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.