After falling to Central Michigan University last year in the finals of the National College Dodgeball Association National Championships, Grand Valley State University club dodgeball team is back for revenge.

Following a rebuilding year last season, many players have finally found their groove and learned from young mistakes, helping the team get off to an undefeated start this season. After a 7-1 win over Michigan State University on Dec. 3, the team feels they’re in the perfect position to start the second half of the season.

With the end-of-season goals in the back of everyone’s minds, junior captain Mark Trippiedi is looking to work out a few kinks.

“Our goal for the rest of the season is all about our team play,” Trippiedi said. “The team has become well rounded. We are taking these next few matches to evaluate and find our best 20 players.”

With a deep bench, the team will worry less about available players and more about fine-tuning their fundamentals. With a new approach to practice, the team has been able to work on different skill sets such as 2-on-1 dodgeball and catches, which were major reasons for the loss against CMU in last year’s championship.

“We are treating the rest of the season with the same strategy: to get better each game,” said Dylan Fettig, GVSU junior and dodgeball president. “The different approach we took this year in practice has proven to work out in our benefit and has given us the advantage in matches. We just have to stick to the tactics and stay focused on the dodgeball cup and nationals.”

Heading into the second half of the season, the team ranks No. 1 in the nation according to the NCDA, but the Lakers are used to having a target on their backs thanks to four national championships. Any teams would love to say they’ve had an undefeated season, but a national championship means more to the Lakers.

“To be able to win a national championship we have to play mistake free dodgeball,” said Brian Savelle, GVSU senior and treasurer. “Eliminate all the errors and communicate on the court. Everything has been going smoothly and the competition is getting better and better. We will be prepared to go all the way this year.”

They will have a couple months to perfect their squad for the Michigan Dodgeball Cup in February and NCDA nationals in April, where they will face rival Central Michigan again.

The Lakers will be back in action after a month-long break this Saturday at the Chicago Dodgeball Open hosted by DePaul University.

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