In a new era under head coach Katelyn Longino, the No. 5 Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team (2-0) started strong, winning 1-0 in a top-20 away matchup Thursday against No. 16 Ashland University (1-1). The game was followed by a 3-2 away victory over Cedarville University (1-1) Saturday.

Longino, a former associate head coach for the University of Iowa, was ecstatic to coach her first regular-season game with the Lakers.

“This first game as a head coach is really special,” Longino said. “It’s the culmination of all the work our staff and players have put in from day one. It’s not just about the result, but about the process and how we compete together, trust one another and start to build our identity as a program.” 

In the season opener against the Eagles, it was a slow start for both teams offensively. However, the Lakers controlled the possession most of the first half. Junior forward Alli French got off to a strong start with two shots, including one on goal. Junior midfielder Sonya Mehta, a transfer from the University of Iowa, had a team-high two shots on-net in the first half. The Lakers’ defense dominated the first half as they allowed one shot and no shots on goal. 

Sophomore forward Sarah Fromm was proud of the team’s effort in the first half, and knew the group would be able to capitalize eventually.

“We started out very strong in the first half with our press, a very resilient effort, very direct play to put them under and battled hard in transition,” Fromm said. “They are a very good team, and in the second half, we had to come out and win more first and second balls while bringing the energy.” 

The Eagles had a few chances early in the second half but were unable to capitalize, as they struggled to get any shots off. After the 61-minute mark, the Lakers’ offense was relentless in trying to score. They had multiple corner kicks before Fromm scored the lone goal from an assist by freshman forward Ivy Wilhelm, giving the Lakers all the momentum. GVSU continued to pressure the Eagles, maintaining their lead to win, 1-0. 

Longino was impressed with the defensive performance and how the team played together.

“Ashland had a couple dangerous shots from outside the box that we will continue to eliminate,” Longino said. “We defended with grit and trust, and the team responded well to adversity. I’m really proud of how we are growing.”

Not only did the Lakers walk away with a top-20 victory, but they also completely shut down the Eagles’ offense. GVSU only gave up three shots, with zero of them being on-net compared to the 12 shots and seven on goal. The Lakers had four corners compared to six corners from Ashland. The one aspect the team could work on is fouls, as they committed nine fouls compared to Ashland’s four. However, this had little impact on the game. 

Right after the game ended, the team was already focused on their next matchup against Cedarville, according to Fromm.

“We are going to build off this momentum going into Saturday, and we are focused on the next task we have against Cedarville. I am happy with the result and how we are growing together, however, there is so much more to be done. Our focus is on to the next game.” 

Saturday against Cedarville, the Lakers fell behind early, giving up a penalty kick in the second minute of play. However, Fromm kept her word and carried momentum from the previous game, scoring a goal in the 17th minute. Cedarville retook the lead in the 32nd minute from a free kick, and held a 2-1 lead into the second half.

GVSU rebounded entering the second half, tying things up when senior defender Mackenzie Ford scored the first goal of her career, placing the ball in the top of the net. Holding strong on defense, the Laker offense was able to pull ahead in the 80th minute with a second goal from Fromm, who scored off an assist by freshman midfielder Cora Conley. The 3-2 win went to the Lakers, and once again, GVSU outshot its opponent 12-7, continuing to build momentum heading into the next game.

The women’s soccer team will return to Allendale for their home opener against Minnesota State University Friday at 7 p.m.