Lakers ranked in AFCA Coaches’ Poll

The Grand Valley State football team was ranked No. 24 in the 2015 American Football Coaches Association Preseason Division II Coaches’ Poll. The Lakers finished 6-5 in 2015 and return 18 starters to the 2015 squad. Minnesota State is ranked No. 1, followed by defending national champion Colorado State-Pueblo. Minnesota-Duluth, West Georgia and Northwest Missouri State round out the top five. GLIAC foes Ferris State and Ohio Dominican also cracked the top 25, at No. 6 and No. 8, respectively.

Devine, Ireland finish fifth in European Championship

Former Grand Valley State lacrosse standout Victoria Devine played on the Ireland Women’s National Team at the 2015 European Lacrosse Federation Women’s Lacrosse European Championship. Devine, a senior, plays attack for the Lakers and has a career 114 goals — good for second-most in school history. Ireland topped Germany 8-4 over two games on aggregate scoring to secure its fifth place finish.

GVSU recruit wins golf tournament

Muskegon native and Grand Valley State recruit Mitchell White won the 94th annual GAM Championship in a three-way playoff at Country Club of Lansing in early August. White knocked home a birdie putt on the second hole of the playoff to secure the title. GVSU was well represented at the tournament. Freshman Brent Marshall fired a 141, while sophomore Domenic Mancinelli shot a 145 and senior Austin Eccleton carded a 155. Fellow incoming freshmen Bryce Messner and Alex Scott notched matching scores of 146 apiece. White will compete for a starting lineup sport for Gary Bissell and the men’s golf squad in the spring.

Hixson takes first at NACAC Championships

Former Grand Valley State track and field standout Kristen Hixson took first place in the women’s pole vault at the 2015 NACAC Senior Championships earlier this month. Hixson, a seven-time All-American at GVSU, vaulted 4.50 meters to take first place, topping runner-up Kelsie Ahbe of Canada by .10 meters.