The Grand Valley State University women’s volleyball team (4-0) traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the UIndy Invitational, where they dominated in all four of their matches.

The Lakers opened their 2024 season with a sweep against the University of Indianapolis (2-2), winning 25-19, 25-22 and 25-15.

After losing 23-25 in the first set of their second match against the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2-2), the Lakers rebounded by dominating the following three sets 25-20, 25-19 and 25-17. 

GVSU continued their win streak the following day, sweeping Kentucky Wesleyan College (0-4) 25-15, 25-19 and 25-10. 

The Lakers closed out the successful weekend against Maryville University (1-3). After winning the first two sets 25-16 and 25-18, they lost the third 23-25. However, a swift 25-18 win in the fourth set secured the Lakers a four-game winning streak to start their season.

Although the team performed exceptionally well, the first games of the season are the hardest to prepare for, according to head coach Jason Johnson.

“This early in the season, the first match is for everybody,” said Johnson. “There is not much film on these teams and programs. You don’t prepare the same for these as you would for conference matches. It’s more about preparing our side of the net early on. With not having as much film, we can really only try to get ourselves better.”

While these early challenges make it difficult to fully prepare, the players still have their own way of getting ready for their games.

“The day of the game, every individual has their own routine that they will do pregame to prepare themselves,” said senior Julia Blaney. “Preparation as a team comes a week prior when we have our scouting reports to try to get to know the other team. Lots of practice goes into each match.”

Looking forward to the next match, the Lakers have outlined the goals they are hoping to achieve this season.

“Every year we want to finish top of the conference and top in the region,” Johnson said. “This team has its sights on the elite eight this season. While the end goal is high, we have to learn that (the goal) is not the only way to measure success in the season.”

Johnson’s aspirations are also shared by other players on the team.

“Our goals are high,” senior Jordyn Gates said. “We came off a great season last year, (and) we have some new faces this year, but the goals are still the same. We want to make it deep in all tournaments. We just want to win because we know we can go far.”

Last season, Gates was an integral part of the Lakers’ success. 

She was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) First-Team All-American and was the AVCA Midwest Region Player of the Year. Furthermore, she was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (GLIAC) Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference. Gates also led the NCAA with 15 triple-doubles, setting a new single-season NCAA record.

With her successes last season, Gates hopes to attain personal goals as well.

“I want to go First-Team All-American back-to-back,” Gates said. “I shocked myself last year with everything I was able to achieve, and I would love to add a couple more on top of that. I’m ultimately just trying to enjoy playing. I enjoy where I am and everyone around me. It’s my last season, so if I accomplish those things then great, but if I don’t, then life still goes on.”

The Lakers’ next match is their home opener against Northwood University at 6 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena.