On Sept. 14, the Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team dropped its first game since 2012 with a 1-0 loss at No. 7 Minnesota State University. Bouncing back from an unfamiliar feeling was crucial for the Lakers, and they did just that on Saturday.

The game wasn’t without its difficulties, however.

No. 4 GVSU topped rival Ferris State University in a wire-to-wire nail-biter by a score of 3-2. Sophomore midfielder Marti Corby was undeniably the hero for GVSU, her hat trick more than speaking for itself.

“(Corby) had a phenomenal game and everyone is extremely proud of her,” said senior forward Jenny Shaba. “She showed up today and came out on top. She was playing well on and off the ball and that led to her success on the field.

“We’re ecstatic for her.”

The path appeared rocky early, as FSU’s Nichole Boehnke drove home a rebound past GVSU goalkeeper Andrea Strauss to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead 11 minutes into the tilt.

The Lakers didn’t take long to respond, however, as Corby displayed what head coach Jeff Hosler described as, “a tremendous bit of individual skill.” Corby took a feed from midfielder Katie Klunder, spun a defender off and laced a shot into the back of the net.

Corby followed up with her second goal of the game in the 53rd minute. She sent a corner kick toward the goalmouth where it was mishandled by FSU goalkeeper Maddie Haustein. The ball crossed the goal line and GVSU was up 2-1.

FSU struck back quickly, however, as Casey Shauman tied the game just two minutes later thanks to an impressive bit of teamwork.

Once more, however, Corby came through for GVSU. The Lakers forced a turnover deep in FSU territory, where the the all-conference first teamer pounced on it and blasted a shot off the goalkeeper’s hands and in.

“I was focusing on getting shots in at the net, and I did that from the start. It allowed me to get more confidence,” Corby said. “Today was a really important win and it showed that we can come back from our loss.

FSU made a few last-ditch efforts, but Strauss turned each one away, tallying seven saves for her fourth victory of the season.

Corby, a midfielder, had been uncharacteristically quiet to open the season following a stellar freshman campaign. The three goals on Saturday were the first of her season after she tallied 12 last year. Hosler credited Corby’s perseverance and focus in the week leading up to the game on her breakout.

The game was just as important for the Lakers as it was for Corby, however.

The team’s loss to Minnesota State dropped GVSU to fourth in the rankings, and a loss in its GLIAC opener could have been even more discouraging. However, despite hostile conditions and a vengeful rival, the Lakers prevailed.

“Today was a grinder,” Hosler said. “It was one of those days where you had to battle and get things done. It wasn’t our best effort, and it wasn’t our best performance, but at the end of the day we were able to get a result.”

Although GVSU snapped its 27-game win streak last weekend, some streaks still prevail. The win over FSU was GVSU’s 21st consecutive victory against the Bulldogs.

The Lakers faced some personnel adversity as they were missing key defenders Clare Carlson and Katy Woolley, who missed the game with injuries. FSU attacked the weak spots, but GVSU was able to defend to the extent it needed to escape with a win.

With the victory, the Lakers improve to 4-1. GVSU takes to the pitch next on Sept. 26 and Sept. 28 with a pair of matches in Ohio against GLIAC foes Lake Erie College and the University of Findlay.