Nov. 1, 2008

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Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State defeated Ferris State 3-0 on Sunday to complete a second consecutive perfect regular season. The No. 1 Lakers have not lost a regular season match during the last two seasons and have been the top-ranked team in Division II for the majority of both those seasons. GVSU (19-0, 14-0 GLIAC) returns to action on Friday, Nov. 7 in the second round of the GLIAC Tournament.

Two seniors, Joyce Rose and Ashley Elsass, scored on Senior Day to propel the Lakers to the win. Fellow senior Katy Tafler notched two assists, while senior goalkeeper Kristina Nasturzio recorded her 12th shutout of the season with four saves. Grand Valley State has now earned a point in 40 consecutive home matches (t-4th in Division II history) dating back to Sept. 4, 2005, and have won 27 straight conference matches (t-3rd in Division II history) dating back to Sept. 29, 2006.

During their four-year career, the 2008 senior class has compiled an amazing 78-6-2 record (.919). They have posted a GLIAC record of 36-2 and have outscored opponents by a 317-34 margin. They have also advanced as far as the national championship match.

Neither team scored in the first half, but it did not take long for GVSU to get on the board in the second period. Senior Elena Sobolic broke in down the left side and crossed a ball to a waiting Rose in front of the net. Rose headed it past FSU keeper Becci Houdek for a 1-0 lead just 34 seconds into the half.

In the 65th minute, Tafler played a through ball down the right side for Jaleen Dingledine. The sophomore forward broke in alone from close to midfield and beat Houdek to the left post for a 2-0 GVSU lead.

Elsass closed out the scoring on a similar play at the 72:55 mark. Tafler played another through ball, this one on the left side, that broke Elsass away from the defenders. She went in close and put her shot into the right side of the net for her 14th goal of the season.

The Lakers dominated the Bulldogs offensively, outshooting them 30-4. In shots on goal, GVSU held a 23-4 edge. Houdek stopped 20 Laker shots, while Nasturzio blanked the Bulldogs with four saves. The shutout was the 16th of the season for Grand Valley State, which ties them for 7th place all-time in Division II.