Briefs

Sports Briefs

GVL Staff
Feb 6, 2012

Softball ranked No. 18 to start season

The Grand Valley State University softball team will begin the season ranked No. 18, according to a preseason poll released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Wednesday.

GVSU is coming off a 2010-2011 campaign where the Lakers compiled a 46-16 record and advanced to the NCAA Midwest Super Regional finals.

All 18 players are returning in 2012 including junior designated player Katie Martin. In 2011, Martin was tabbed as the Daktronics National Player of the Year and a First Team All-American.

2011 GLIAC Freshman of the Year Miranda Cleary will also return after racking up 19 home runs and 52 RBI in her first season at GVSU.

Aside from garnering attention in the national poll, the Lakers were picked to win the GLIAC North Division.

Baseball ranked, receives preseason accolades

The Grand Valley State University baseball team will start the season ranked No. 4 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason poll.

A season ago, the Lakers compiled a 52-5 record and advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series for the fifth time in nine years.

GVSU also held the top spot in the preseason Midwest Regional poll.

Individually, the Lakers racked up five preseason honors.

Seniors Steve Anderson, Kyle Schepel and junior Brad Zambron all garnered first team, second team and honorable mention Preseason All-American accolades, respectively.

Additionally, Anderson, Schepel, Zambron, Ryan Garman and Brian Robinson were tabbed as preseason All-Midwest Region selections.

M. Basketball

GLIAC North Standings

Ferris State (10-3)

Michigan Tech (9-5)

Northwood (8-5)

GVSU (8-6)

Saginaw Valley (6-8)

Lake Superior (5-9)

Northern Mich. (4-10)

W. Basketball

GLIAC North Standings