The postseason mentality is setting in as the No. 5 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team has set its sights on winning its sixth-consecutive GLIAC title. The Lakers are inching closer after cruising past Northwood University 4-0 and rival Saginaw Valley State University 2-0 this weekend, extending their unbeaten record this season to 12 games.

Junior forward Ashley Botts, who has 13 goals this season and is ranked in the top five in the nation in total goals, said her team is changing its outlook on games as its regular season is ending.

“I think we strive to get better everyday,” Botts said. “As we get closer to (the) post season, the want to play another day starts getting on everyone’s mind … so we are playing like we really want to get there.”

That sentiment is shared throughout the team, as head coach Dave DiIani sees the final stretch as a time for preparation, but also to finish the regular season strong.

“We are moving into the transitional period, but we still have regular season games left,” Dilanni said.

Dilanni said his team will look to make sure that they are working to achieve those goals in the coming weeks.

“As we get closer those goals become more real,” Dilanni said. “Our number one goal is to win the GLIAC … We want to be able to have the conference tournament at home and we’ve got about three weeks to make some changes, adjustments and improvements.”

GVSU’s (10-0-2, 9-0 GLIAC) trip to the east side of Michigan began at the Timberwolves’ (4-7, 3-7 GLIAC) Dean Field on Friday.

It took an 18-minute period in the first half for the Lakers to score all four of their goals in the shut out 4-0 victory.

Then freshman Jenny Shaba then set up goals by freshman Juane Odendaal and junior Molly Streete; both scored within four minutes of each other. Senior midfielder Jessica Trost sealed the victory just before halftime with a long distance strike from the middle of the field and 25 yards outside of the penalty box.

“It was great to see so many people get on the board,” Botts said. “It shows we’re not a a one-man team. Teams can’t rely on having to mark one player… We have multiple threats.”

The Lakers then traveled to SVSU (4-6-1, 3-6-1 GLIAC) on Sunday for a 2 p.m. kickoff with Cardinals.

GVSU struggled to find the net in the first half despite out-shooting SVSU 8-3. Junior forward Kayla Addison tallied the first goal of the game for the Lakers in the 51st minute of play. Maria Brown then set up Botts to seal the victory with just nine minutes remaining in the game.

Junior goalkeeper Chelsea Parise made three saves and continued her current three-game shutout streak. She has tallied seven shutouts this season.

The Lakers will close out their five game road trip next weekend with games at Northern Michigan University on Friday and at Michigan Technological University on Sunday.

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