The Grand Valley State women’s soccer club was unable to capitalize on its home field advantage in the Women’s Midwest Alliance Soccer Conference regional tournament, dropping both games in the tournament over the weekend. The Lakers hosted the regional tournament for the first time in team history.

In an attrition-style contest, the Lakers tied the University of Wisconsin 0-0 in the opening game on Saturday morning. GVSU then dropped its second match against Michigan State, 2-0, effectively ending their season.

In the first game, the Lakers and Badgers each struggled on offense, and stood strong on defense. Shots on goal were few and far between, as the contest ended with next-to-no fanfare in a scoreless draw.

“We go into our tackles pretty hard. We just need to finish. Wisconsin is a first-place team, and we finished second. We wanted a win,” said senior midfielder Olivia Smith.

The tie meant GVSU needed a victory in its next matchup to advance out of its group and into the finals on Sunday.

The Lakers would not get that win.

GVSU laced up once again on Saturday afternoon, taking on the Spartans. MSU scored in the middle of the first half, and once again at the end of the match, plunging a dagger into the hearts of the Lakers.

“I like how hard we battled. Sometimes being able to play as hard as you can is all you need to do,” said GVSU head coach Jeff Crooks.

“If you don’t score goals, you’re not going to win games. (Michigan State) is just a better team. I’m not going to take anything from them.”

Crooks was pleased with Smith’s play, along with junior goalkeeper Morgan Casterline and others.

Senior midfielder Allise DuBay saw her soccer career come to a close with the loss, but didn’t find herself in the dumps.

“It was awesome that we had the opportunity to play. It was a great experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m proud of our team, it’s been an awesome four years,” DuBay said.

She also offered advice to Lakers considering playing club soccer at GVSU.

“When I got here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to play soccer or not, and I ended up playing club and loving it,” DuBay said. “I’d recommend it to future players to come here.”

Crooks held his team in high regard as well, despite the losses.

“This was a great group of girls. There are years in which I’m discouraged by the team chemistry, that wasn’t the case this year. I don’t know that I’ll look back and remember as much about the results than I will the camaraderie and heart of this team. That, without a doubt, is what I’ll remember most,” he said.

The Lakers finished the season 9-4 and will return a majority of their active roster next year.

The University of Michigan won the W-MASC tournament with a win over the University of Illinois in the championship match.