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For the fourth time in the last seven seasons, the two of the nation's most consistent and preeminent programs will square off in the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship. Both Grand Valley State and Wisconsin-Parkside have long been the region's powerhouses. The two have frequently stood in each other's path during NCAA Tournament play, with the winner often going on to claim the regional title.
 
All in all, the two have met six times in postseason play. GVSU is 4-2, including wins in the three most recent meetings, against the Rangers in those matchups.
 
A fourth consecutive win over Wisconsin-Parkside, and a ninth regional crown in 10 seasons, will not come easy, though.
 
The Rangers rumbled through a rigorous GLVC schedule, capturing the regular season and tournament titles with a nearly unblemished 18-0-3 overall record. The club's defense has led the way, posting 16 shutouts and Division II's third-lowest goals against average (0.23). Offensively, Wisconsin-Parkside is equally as troublesome for opponents. Of its 50 goals, 18 belong to defenders—the result of outstanding execution on set pieces.
 
"(Wisconsin)-Parkside is, of all our opponents this year, the most efficient and opportunistic on set pieces. They are really well organized, they know where they need to be and they put the ball right where they want it to go," says head coach Jeff Hosler. "Making sure we are organized quickly on restarts will be important."
 
"They are a very experienced and organized defensive unit as well. They have tremendous athleticism and size, something we haven't seen at that level in a long time," Hosler continues. "It is going to take us being focused throughout the 90 minutes and ready to play. If we aren't playing with a sense of urgency, it will be really difficult for us."
 
One thing Friday's (Nov. 21) clash in Somers, Wisconsin is sure to provide: physicality.
 
Over the years, the Rangers have built a reputation for being an aggressive, physical club. GVSU will have to maintain its composure to avoid allowing the Rangers to impose their will.
 
"They have great size and close spaces well," says Hosler. "They're good at being physical."
 
Of everyone Wisconsin-Parkside has lined up against this season, however, none possessed the explosive offense the Lakers bring to the table.
 
Leading scorers Gabriella Mencotti, Marti Corby and Katie Bounds have combined for 36 of the club's 71 goals. Moreover, GVSU is one of only three teams nationally featuring a trio of players with at least 10 goals. It ranks third nationally with 3.23 goals per game as well.
 
But, according to Hosler, it will take a special effort from defense, which recorded clean sheets in seven of the last eight matches, to advance.
"(Our defense) has to be really sharp and really organized," says Hosler. "It's going to be important they are all on the same page throughout (the match)."
 
Kick off for GVSU's clash with the Rangers is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. EST.