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Ever since its 1-0 loss at then-No. 7 Minnesota State last month, the Grand Valley State women's soccer team has been on an absolute tear. The No. 3 Lakers have won their last six matches by a combined score of 28-3, posting shutouts in four consecutive contests. Such a dominant run has the potential to create a sense of complacency. Head coach Jeff Hosler does not believe that this group is satisfied quite yet, though.
 
"As much as we stress getting better every day, as cliché as that is, we really hold ourselves to that standard at training," Hosler says. "Our girls are hungry to go out and prove what they are capable of still, and they're hungry to do it every day."
 
To ensure the team does not lose its competitive mindset, scorekeeping and charting will be done meticulously during this week's practices. The primary goal will be to make the Lakers realize there is always room to progress, even after a string of emphatic victories, and understand the value of competitiveness.
 
"How much are you willing to compete, and how detail-oriented can you be? Can we be cleaner? As opposed to playing the ball to a player, are we playing the proper foot?" Hosler reiterates. "Being really detail-oriented this week is going to be the key for us, and really pushing ourselves defensively."
 
This week's opponents are at the opposite end of the conference's spectrum.
 
Northwood, which carries a 1-7-1 overall record and is winless in GLIAC play, will be looking to snap a five-game losing skid on Friday (Oct. 10). Even though the Timberwolves are struggling thus far, GVSU will not take them lightly.
 
"You always have to be leery of everyone you play," says Hosler. "Northwood, being a Michigan school, is going to be fired up to play us, and it's on the road; that will present its own set of challenges."
 
Two days later, No. 18 Saginaw Valley State will come to Allendale, where the Lakers have not lost in 67 matches. Since 2005, GVSU is 28-8-7, including an 11-1-1 mark at home, with 24 shutouts against ranked opponents. However, the Cardinals boast six shutouts, one of which came in a 0-0 draw at Ohio Dominican, and lead the GLIAC in fewest goals allowed (three). Offensively, SVSU is not nearly as potent—18 goals in nine matches—but forwards Ashley Henderson, Olivia Perrin and Jennifer Goethals have combined for 10 goals this year.
 
Adding to the fanfare is the fact both teams are unbeaten in league matches, meaning only the winner will be able to stay in first place of the GLIAC standings.
 
"Saginaw Valley State is off to a fantastic start, playing really well and has some dynamic attackers," says Hosler. "Sunday will certainly be the biggest test we've had in a few weeks, but our girls are eager for that challenge."
 
Kick off for Friday's match in Midland, Michigan is scheduled for 2 p.m., while Sunday's (Oct. 12) top-25 showdown will get underway at 1 p.m.