Grand Valley State University’s women’s soccer team enjoyed decisive victories in its two-game away trip to Ohio over the weekend, thrashing Lake Erie College and Ashland University, 4-0 and 5-0, respectively.

“I thought that we played some good soccer,” said GVSU head coach Dave DiIanni. “We found chemistry on the field, our ball movement was really good, and we looked like we were having fun. When you’re playing hard and you’re having fun, good things will happen.”

The Lakers, keen on extending a 24-game unbeaten run since September of 2010, put Lake Erie on the ropes Friday, firing 22 shots while allowing just 2 shots against. Lake Erie goalkeeper Megan Baldacci stopped 10 of GVSU’s 14 shots on goal.

Senior forward Kayla Addison marked a “really big” return from suspension against Indianapolis last week with GVSU’s first goal against Lake Erie on Friday.

“I was upset that I couldn’t play on Tuesday so I focused all of my energy on this weekend,” Addison said. “I knew I had to play good and come out with a lot of energy.”

Foward Alyssa Mira set up junior Ashley Botts who gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead before halftime. GVSU doubled their score in the second half with a pair of unassisted goals from forward Maria Brown and midfielder Jessica Trost.

Goalkeeper Chelsea Parise, who shared time with sophomore Abbey Miller in GVSU’s fourth shutout this season, attributed the team’s success in both games to defensive specific training in the week.

“We have focused on team defending this past week, with our defense starting with the forwards,” Parise said. “We limit the amount of opportunities for our opponents as a backline and our chemistry is beginning to bring us on the same page.”

GVSU then traveled to Ashland University on Sunday.

Botts found senior midfielder Erin Mruz on a cross from the right side to the back post nine minutes into the game. Mruz comfortably found the net seven yards outside goal and opened the scoring for the Lakers.

Botts then continued her scoring streak to five games, dribbling the ball through the middle of the Eagle’s defense and scoring an unassisted goal to put GVSU up 2-0.

GVSU netted a third before halftime after Addison headed a deflected free kick three yards outside of goal.

Maria Brown volleyed from 3 yards out after being picked out by Mruz’s cross from the far side of goal to give GVSU a 4-0 advantage.

Addison then scored for a second time off a through pass from sophomore defender Kayla Kimble. Addison’s strike to the near post sealed the 5-0 victory for GVSU.

“We didn’t over think anything and we had a lot of fun,” Addison said.

GVSU will host Ferris State University (4-1-1 GLIAC, 4-4-1 Overall), who currently hold second place in the GLIAC, on Wednesday at 6 p.m in Allendale.

“Since it is a mid-week game the transition from the classroom to the field will be important,” Parise said. “The keys will be to worrying about ourselves, playing with consistency, and staying hungry.”

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