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Everything seems to be clicking right now for the Grand Valley State women's soccer team. The No. 3 Lakers, who claimed sole possession of first place in the GLIAC standings with a 2-0 victory over then-No. 18 Saginaw Valley State last Sunday, have won eight straight matches and are ranked third or better nationally in nearly every offensive category.
 
However, GVSU's coaching staff believes the club is still working toward its maximum capability.
 
"For the number of scoring chances we create, we have to put the ball in the back of the net more efficiently than we have. In possession I'd like to see our completion percentage remain at or above 80 percent," says head coach Jeff Hosler. "And overall speed of play can continue to get quicker. Defensively, our transition defending has come a long way, but can continue to be stronger."
 
Entering their second three-match week of the month, however, the Lakers have little time to focus on those things from a physical standpoint.
 
"With three games (this week) it doesn't allow us to expand a ton of energy in training. It will be more of a mental week for us," says Hosler, whose Alma club's had several three-match weeks throughout his eight seasons there. "We are reviewing a lot of tactics…and expanding upon (player) roles with each individual and line of play this week."
 
Fortunately for GVSU, it has already faced one of the clubs coming to Allendale this week: Ferris State. Marti Corby's hat trick allowed the Lakers to escape Big Rapids with a 3-2 victory, but the Bulldogs proved they could go toe to toe with anyone.
 
"This is the first time we will see a team that played us the same way the first time. We can actually review some things from a scouting report," says Hosler. "I don't think we played very well at Ferris State last time out, but I also think a lot of it had to do with how well they were organized, and how well they played."
 
Rounding out GVSU's four-match homestand are Ohio Dominican and Ashland.
 
The Panthers will pose a major threat offensively. ODU ranks third in goals (23) and second in shots attempted (225) among all GLIAC teams, making defensive organization a major key to victory on Friday night.
 
Sunday afternoon, the Eagles, led by dynamic freshman forward Morgan Bittengle, will take their shot at ending several winning and unbeaten streaks. Ashland, the last league club to beat GVSU at home back in 2004, relies heavily on its defense to get the job done—seven opponents have been held to one goal or less.
 
Kick off for Wednesday night's non-conference match with Ferris State is set for 7 p.m., while tilts with Ohio Dominican and Ashland are set for 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. starts, respectively.