Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's basketball team began their 2024-25 season with a commanding 101-40 victory over Wayne State in an exhibition match at the Breslin Center. The game featured a unique family reunion, as Michigan State's graduate guard/forward Julia Ayrault faced her sister, sophomore guard Annabel Ayrault from Wayne State. Their father, Andy Ayrault, serves as an assistant coach for the Warriors.

The Spartans had six players scoring in double figures. Junior guard Theryn Hallock and junior forward Grace VanSlooten led the team with 16 points each. VanSlooten, playing her first game since transferring from Oregon, also contributed six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. Freshman center Inés Sotelo scored 13 points in her debut for Michigan State. Senior guard/forward Jocelyn Tate, redshirt-freshman guard Kennedy Blair, and graduate guard Jaddan Simmons each added 11 points to the scoreboard. Julia Ayrault recorded eight points along with a game-high eight assists and four blocks.

Wayne State's top performer was Shea Tripp with 10 points and seven assists. Annabel Ayrault scored three points and provided one assist.

Michigan State took control early by scoring the first 21 points of the game before ZaMaria Polk got Wayne State on the board. The Spartans ended the first quarter leading significantly after shooting an impressive 73.7 percent from the field.

The second quarter saw Michigan State extend their lead further with a dominant performance that included a 19-0 run to close out the half leading 58-5. Hallock was the leading scorer at halftime with 16 points while VanSlooten added another 12.

Wayne State managed to tighten up slightly during the third quarter but still struggled overall against Michigan State's defense which forced numerous turnovers throughout the match.

In preparation for their regular season opener against Oakland on November 5th at home, Michigan State showcased their depth by having all active players participate in this exhibition win.