Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University women's basketball team is set to begin its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play this week. The Wildcats, currently holding a 6-0 record for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, will host Purdue Northwest and Parkside at Vandament Arena.

The Wildcats will face the Purdue Northwest Pride on Thursday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a game against the Parkside Rangers on Saturday, December 7, at noon. Currently, Northern Michigan is receiving votes in the WBCA national poll and is ranked No. 19 in the D2CSC poll.

Fans can listen to both games on 100.3 The Point with Casey Ford providing commentary.

Head coach Casey Thousand commented on the team's performance so far: "It's been a full team effort and that has contributed to our success so far. We're excited just to be back at home. It's one day at a time."

In recent games, Northern Michigan achieved victories over Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State. Jacy Weisbrod leads the team with an average of 15 points per game and ranks third in the league for three-pointers made this season. Sarah Newcomer follows closely with an average of 13.5 points per game.

Alyssa Nimz leads in rebounds for Northern Michigan, averaging 7.8 per game, while Alyssa Hill averages 6.2 rebounds per game.

Purdue Northwest holds a current record of 3-3 under head coach Jesse Ford and assistant Mia Reise. Akyia Baker leads their scoring efforts with an average of 16.5 points per game.

Parkside enters their matchup against Northern Michigan with a record of 4-2 after defeating St. Cloud State last weekend. Cassidy Arni leads their offense with an average of 16 points per game.

The GLIAC preseason poll ranks Grand Valley State first, followed by Ferris State and Northern Michigan in third place.