The Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team traveled to Northwood University on Friday, Oct. 1, where they defeated the Timberwolves 2-0. This marked the team’s first time taking the field since being promoted to No. 1 in Division II United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll.

In the first half, the Lakers were able to put up five shots to Northwood’s one, however, neither team was able to put the ball in the back of the net. After the halftime break, GVSU came to life as junior forward, Greta DeLoach scored in the 50th and 52nd minute to put the Lakers up 2-0. The first goal came off an assist from sophomore defender, Cate Brown with the opportunity arising after a corner kick. The second came from a cross by sophomore forward, Kennedy Bearden that Deloach finished with a header.

These two goals were enough to get GVSU the win as their defense put up their eighth clean sheet of the season. This was led by junior goalkeeper, Callie Rich who played all 90 minutes and walked away with two saves on the day.

The offensive burst made in the second half by the Lakers can be attributed to some adjustments made at halftime.

“I think we were reminding ourselves what we were capable of and what we were trying to do in this game,” said coach Jim Conlon. “I think we were executing most of our game plan but not all of it to its fullest potential. I think we came out and were able to put more pieces together which allowed the quick start in the second half.”

GVSU was able to come out at half with these adjustments and saw improvements in several areas.

“During our halftime talk we kind of talked about what our strategy would be and it was to get the ball so they have to turn their back to us so we can run behind them,” DeLoach said. “I think that we were able to get forward a lot more and a lot of players were taking people on. I think our forward line and midfield combined pretty well today and we were able to put a couple in the back of the net which is always good.”

These results left Conlon happy with what he saw.

“I thought we had two very good teams competing,” Conlon said. “We played well and within our style to come away with a win so I am very pleased.”

This win moves GVSU to 9-0 on the season, resulting in their newest ranking among the Division II polls. Despite the honor that comes with this high rank, Conlon knows that there is plenty of soccer left to be played.

“I think we are just trying to take it one game at a time,” Conlon said. “We know there is a lot of season left. We are humbled when the rankings committee will look at us in such high regard. But there is a lot of season and we are really just looking to take it one game at a time and get better.”

Anytime a team has a No.1 ranking next to their name, they can become a target. Despite this, DeLoach sees this as a form of motivation.

“We do like to play with a chip on our shoulder and the way we see it is that the only ranking that matters is the one at the end of the season,” DeLoach said. “Obviously it is motivation but we try and play with a chip on our shoulder, especially if other teams know that about us.”