Former Laker Judon making an early impact in NFL

Former Grand Valley State defensive lineman Matt Judon is making an impact on the Baltimore Ravens defense. Through three preseason games, Judon leads the team in tackles (14) and sacks (5).

In the third preseason game Saturday, Aug. 27 against the Detroit Lions, Judon filled up the stat sheet. He forced a fumble and made three tackles on the night, one of which resulted in a sack.

Judon has made a smooth transition to the linebacker position in the beginning of his professional career. A lineman by trade, he was forced to switch positions to accommodate to the 3-4 defensive scheme that the Ravens employ.

The Ravens have one more preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Thursday, Sept 1. After the game, roster cuts will be made to meet the required number of players for the regular season. After leading the team in tackles and sacks after three games, one of those final roster spots could be filled by Judon.

Men’s tennis gearing up for the fall season

The Grand Valley State men’s tennis team is ready to get back into action after a successful 2015-16 campaign. The Lakers are looking to bounce back after falling just short to Ferris State in the NCAA Regional Tournament.

GVSU finished last season with a 17-8 record and an 8-1 record in the GLIAC. The Lakers were a young team last year, but with nine returning players for the upcoming season, GVSU has high expectations.

Nicholas Urban and Sebastien Lescoulie led the team last season in singles victories as freshman. Now returning for their sophomore year, the two will anchor this still young Laker team.

The top duo in doubles last season is also returning for the Lakers this season. Senior Jack Heiniger and Lescoulie finished last season with a 25-8 record in doubles.

GVSU’s first fall match is the Wisconsin-Whitewater Invitational Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10.

GVSU alumnae take part in LPGA Q-School

Former Lakers Gabrielle Shipley and Sarah Hoffman both competed in stage one of the LPGA and Symetra Tour Qualifying School this weekend, Aug. 25-28. This four round tournament in Rancho Mirage, California is the first of three stages.

The top 90 golfers advance to the next stage. Both Hoffman and Shipley fell out of the top 90 at the event. Hoffman lasted up until the fourth and final round, but missed the cut line by one stroke with a score of +7, tying with seven other golfers.

During her time at GVSU, Hoffman finished first in the GLIAC tournament and won GLIAC Golfer of the Year as a senior. She graduated from GVSU in 2012.

Shipley missed the cut after the second round, with an overall score of +9, three shots away from the cut line. Shipley graduated from GVSU this past year, and finished her career with the 2016 Division II Individual National Championship.