On a chilly Halloween night, the No. 5 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team (13-2) fought for a 1-0 win, hosting the showdown against crosstown rival Davenport University (4-9-3). Spooky vibes were felt off the field, with candy being passed out during the match and the GVSU drumline all wearing dinosaur costumes.
In a hard-fought first half, the scoreboard remained at zero, with both teams playing great defense near the goal line. In 45 minutes of play, junior forward Alli French led the Lakers with three shots overall, two of which were on goal.
“They’re (Davenport) gritty, they’re always going to battle (for the win),” said senior defender Kacy Lauer. “We knew that going into the game, but it was just a matter of who was going to battle harder, who wanted it more.”
Both defenses continued to be the dominating force in the second half, however, the momentum soon shifted. 65th left in the second half, Lauer scored a goal off a free kick in the low right of the net, assisted by senior midfielder Sophia Morgan and senior defender Mackenzie Ford, making the score 1-0 Lakers.
That free kick, according to Lauer, helped GVSU find the right mentality.
“When we lined up for that free kick, we all had the mentality that the ball’s going in the back of the net, no matter what,” said Lauer. “It was just great to get on the end of it this time.”
Both defenses continued to fight till the finish, but the Lakers held on for victory over the Panthers. In total, Macie Hunter maintained four saves in 90 minutes of play.
“I think (remembering to) keep fighting was the most important thing for us,” said head coach Katelyn Longino. “If we don’t win this ball, we win the next one. Being able to put the switch and value each and every moment of a game (is important) because soccer is a game of mistakes and how you respond in those moments, how you pick up the next tackle.”
GVSU advances to 13-2 on the season following the Halloween Game, and will remain home for a Thursday match against Roosevelt University. The Lakers will also be playing an Alumni Day game Saturday against Saginaw Valley State University.
