The No. 6 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team (19-2) began the GLIAC conference tournament by hosting Roosevelt University (5-12-1) last Tuesday, followed by the semifinal game against Northern Michigan University (7-8-5) Friday. The Lakers took on Saginaw Valley State University (13-6-2) in the Sunday championship matchup.
The Lakers swept their way to the conference championship with three contrasting but equally telling performances: a grinding 1-0 win in the quarterfinals against Roosevelt, a more emphatic 4-0 shutout of Northern Michigan and a tight, 1-0 victory over Saginaw. This was the University’s 15th tournament win in program history.
The Lakers edged out Roosevelt by a single goal in what became a showcase of dominance in possession and chances. Despite the narrow margins, GVSU produced overwhelming statistical superiority, totaling 32 shots to Roosevelt’s two, with 12 shots on target to none for the opponent.
Head coach Katelyn Longino noted Roosevelt played the Lakers in a much different manner, showing various looks.
“The new look caused us some problems, and credit to Roosevelt for that,” said Longino. “They played lower and a mid-block against us, and made us work for our goals. We weren’t as polished as we needed to be in our box, and we’ll continue to grow, and I’m happy we found a way to win tonight.”
The lone goal came at the 73rd minute, when freshman forward Cora Conley scored her first collegiate goal. The play began with a Lakers’ corner kick, then a pass from junior defender Kacy Lauer to junior defender Acadia Murphy. Murphy served a cross from the left side that found Conley, who slotted home into the bottom-right corner. GVSU came up short on multiple goals, but Conley’s goal gave GVSU the momentum it needed.
“The ball just popped out in front of me and I knew this was the moment we needed to get ahead,” said Conley. “It was important for our team, and we knew we were going to face adversity in this game.”
Throughout the full 90 minutes, GVSU’s defense held firm. Roosevelt never managed a shot on goal, and GVSU goalkeeper Macie Hunter posted a clean sheet. The Lakers’ dominance masked the final scoreline, but it showed their capacity to generate chances, maintain control and grind out results when needed.
Three days later, GVSU shifted into a different gear in the semifinal against Northern Michigan with the scoring opening early. In the 10th minute, freshman forward Alli French put the Lakers ahead, assisted by Kendall Aikens and Conley. Just minutes later, French struck again, this time set up by sophomore midfielder Sonya Mehta.
In the second half, GVSU extended the lead in the 51st minute via Aikens’ assist by junior defender Vesna Dennison, and then sealed the game at the 72nd minute when senior defender Mackenzie Ford scored, assisted by junior defender Alex Williams.
From the opening whistle to the final moments, GVSU exhibited control, efficiency and defensive solidity. Two goals in the first 15 minutes got the momentum going, and the backline and keeper locked down the shutout.
Hosting the championship on Sunday, the Lakers won their two previous matchups against Saginaw this season and knew they had to leave it all on the field.
In the first half, both teams made drives on the net, pushing to take an early lead. The Lakers’ offense put pressure on the opposing goalie with 10 shots, but failed to capitalize on all their attempts. Unlike the matchup against Northern, this game was solely a defensive battle, with the winner decided by who broke first.
While this defensive narrative bled into the second half, so did the pressure brought on by GVSU. Aikens headlined with six shots, with one shot on goal. This lone shot on goal ultimately proved to be the breaking point for Saginaw’s defense, where Mehta’s pass from the corner set up Aikens to score in the 56th minute.
Behind on the scoreboard, Saginaw’s offense began to show signs of a comeback, constantly keeping the ball near the Lakers’ net. In the final 20 minutes, however, Hunter defined the team’s defense, making multiple game-changing shots to keep Saginaw scoreless through 90 minutes.
Besides the three wins, GVSU dominated the GLIAC regular-season awards. Sophomore forward Sara Fromm, French, Mehta, Lauer, Murphy and Hunter were given All-GLIAC first team honors. Longino secured GLIAC Coach of the Year, while Hunter notched Goalkeeper of the Year, freshman forward Ivy Wilhelm finished first for freshman of the year and Lauer’s defensive capabilities paid off, as she won Defensive Player of the Year.
The women’s soccer team next plays in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday.
