Judon wins Division II Lineman of the Year

Grand Valley State senior defensive end Matt Judon was recently named the recipient of the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award following his record-breaking season.

Judon, who has tallied 20 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 70 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2015, is the third Laker since 2007 to win the award, joining former standout Mike McFadden and Brandon Barnes. Judon’s 34.0 career sacks rank eighth all-time in Division II, and he set the career sack record at GVSU in a win over Ashland on Nov. 21, breaking now-Jacksonville Jaguar Dan Skuta’s record, which had stood since 2008.

Dawson earns GLIAC recognition

The Grand Valley State women’s basketball team is off to a 4-1 start this season thanks in large part to forward Kayla Dawson. This week, the junior was named the GLIAC North Division Player of the Week. The Wisconsin native leads the team with 16.8 points per game, and racked up 18.5 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game in GVSU’s wins over Lewis and Gannon last week.

The team begins GLIAC play this Thursday against Ashland at Fieldhouse Arena, with tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

Corby named Midwest Region Player of the Year

Grand Valley State’s Marti Corby was named the Division II Conference Commissioners Association Midwest Region Player of the Year in a national news release on Monday. Corby, who was the NSCAA Division II Player of the Year last season, led the GLIAC with 24 goals and 16 assists this season.

Her 16 assists lead the nation, while she ranks second in total points and third in goals scored.

She wasn’t the only one on the team, however, to be recognized. Six other Lakers earned All-Midwest Region honors as well. Freshman goalkeeper Emily Maresh, forwards Gabriella Mencotti and Kendra Stauffer, midfielder Katie Klunder and defenders Clare Carlson and Katy Woolley all joined Corby as First Team selections.