In a heated rivalry match, the No. 4 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team escaped Big Rapids with a 2-1 victory over Ferris State University (3-3-4), improving to 9-1 overall and perfect 6-0 in conference play. The win marked the Lakers’ seventh consecutive victory, keeping them on top of conference standings.
Both teams entered the match with intensity but played passively through a scoreless first half. GVSU controlled much of the possession, outshooting Ferris 7-3 and forcing the Bulldog’s goalkeeper to make a few early saves, including a dangerous attempt from freshman midfielder Cora Conley in the 14th minute.
In the second half, it didn’t take long for GVSU to capitalize. In the 50th minute, junior defender Alex Williams delivered a pinpoint corner to the far post, where senior defender Mackenzie Ford headed it back across the goal. The ball fell cleanly to senior defender Kacy Lauer, who put it in the back of the net for the first goal.
“We practice that play all the time, and it usually works,” explained Lauer. “When we called it, I just tried to take the keeper’s vision away. Nobody stepped out to mark me, and I heard the goalie say she couldn’t see it, so I just turned and made contact.”
The Lakers continued to pressure the Bulldogs, finding their second breakthrough in the 77th minute. Freshman forward Ivy Wilhelm unleashed a spectacular strike from just outside the box. The ball ricocheted off the top-right crossbar, down and in for her third goal of the year.
Head coach Katelyn Longino was impressed with her team’s ability to take strategies from practice onto the field.
“It’s always great when things you work on in training show up on the field,” said Longino. “Set pieces have been a big focus for us these past few weeks. We study opponents’ weaknesses and try to match them with our strengths.”
Ferris mounted a late response, putting one in the back of the net in the 85th minute. However, the Lakers’ defense held strong in the final moments, holding onto the win. Ford and Lauer each logged 90 minutes, anchoring the defense all game, and holding off a late rally from Ferris.
The Lakers’ strong defensive play did not go unnoticed by teammates.
“Our goalkeeper’s a freshman,” said Lauer. “It just takes a lot of communication and trust between us and her. Not turning the switch off, and staying locked in for the full 90 minutes.”
GVSU finished with a 15-10 edge in total shots and 5-3 on goal. Junior forward Alli French led the team with three shots, while sophomore forward Sarah Fromm and sophomore defender Vesna Dennison each had two. Freshman goalkeeper Macie Hunter recorded two saves and notched her seventh straight win as a starter.
“It’s one game at a time,” said Longino, emphasizing the importance of staying level-headed through success. “We’ve got to be where our feet are, and stay present in our performance.”
The Lakers get a short break to rest up before traveling Friday to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (4-4-2), where GVSU will aim to extend its unbeaten conference run and solidify their postseason positioning.
