Two different sports. Two different teams. Two different coaches. Two different tournaments.

One common goal.

When the weekend rolls around, the Grand Valley State University cross country teams and women’s tennis team will find themselves in different parts of the state, competing against a host of conference foes but shooting for the same prize—a GLIAC championship.

Tuned up after a quick fall season, the Laker cross country teams will trek to the Upper Peninsula where Michigan Technological University is hosting the GLIAC tournament. Although the forecast calls for biting cold and a snowy course, GVSU assistant coach Nick Polk said he feels his teams will be ready.

“We’re preparing for cold, rain and snow,” Polk said. “Our athletes are tough and should handle themselves fine. We pride ourselves on being tough in those conditions … It won’t be about personal bests but about going out and competing hard.”

Competition—not weather—could freeze the Lakers’ hopes of a duo of championship titles in Houghton.

GVSU expects Ashland University, Malone University and Ferris State University to have successful meets on the men’s side.

The Lakers competed against Ashland and Ferris State earlier this season in the MSU Spartan Invitational, where the Lakers took first place, followed by Ashland at fourth and Ferris State at fifth. Malone is relatively unknown for the Lakers this season, but the Pioneers have had a successful fall, finishing in first place in three of their four meets.

When the women take to the course this weekend, they will do so behind the talented legs of sophomores Jessica Janecke and Courtney Brewis and junior Allyson Winchester. The trio swept the podium at the Spartan Invitational earlier this year, all finishing within 12 seconds of each other. Ferris State will prove to be a challenge to the women, as well, as the Lady Bulldogs took sixth place overall at the Spartan Invitational.

GVSU head coach Jerry Baltes said he believes both squads have the talent to bring home a GLIAC title as long as they execute the way they have been able to all season.

“We just need to stay focused on what we can control—our effort, attitude and energy,” Baltes said. “We’ve got our kids to be prepared for anything at this point.”

One bridge-crossing and 450 miles away, the GVSU women’s tennis team will be doing all it can to secure a GLIAC championship of its own. With an 8-1 overall victory against Ferris State last week, the Lakers finished the fall season with an 11-3 (10-3 GLIAC) record and a salacious desire to finish their season atop the conference.

GVSU will face Walsh University on Friday at the Midland Community Tennis Center. The Lakers annihilated Walsh earlier this season with a score of 7-2, but head coach John Black expects to see a reenergized Cavaliers team come game-time.

“They’ve probably improved since last time, but hopefully we have, too,” Black said. “We need to continue our strong play, and hopefully we can play a little better and have stronger results against the three teams that beat us.”

Those three teams—Wayne State University, Northwood University and Tiffin University—all narrowly defeated GVSU in the regular season, winning by a cumulative score of 16-11. Black said he believes that the key to defeating these teams in the rematch lies in the performance of the Laker doubles flights. In 2013, GVSU boasts a 13-1 record after holding a lead in the doubles department.

Senior Lexi Rice, playing both No. 1 singles and doubles, headlines the veteran Laker squad, while juniors Niki Shipman and Kelly Trapp will look to continue their undefeated seasons come tournament-time.

While the talent of the Lakers is apparent, the hidden intangible lies in the experience of the roster. GVSU showcases a lineup of six juniors and two seniors, all of whom have competed on the GLIAC championship stage before.

“Hopefully (the experience) will mean we’ll be a bit tougher in close matches,” Black said. “Players have been there and they know the pressure, so hopefully we can handle it better than younger teams.”

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