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Off to its first 5-0 start since the 2010-11 campaign, the Grand Valley State women's basketball team will look to keep its undefeated record intact against Tiffin on Sunday (Dec. 14). The No. 24 Lakers are returning home from a two-game road trip, which saw them score a 66-55 win over Ashland and a 64-60 triumph against Lake Erie, tipping off its 22-game GLIAC slate in spectacular fashion.
 
According to head coach Janel Burgess, GVSU's current run is a result of its rigorous practices. Team chemistry, a product of 10 returnees from last year's group, has played an important role as well.
 
"Our competitiveness every day in practice carries over to every competition. It hasn't been easy to be where we are at, but I love the overall fluency this team plays with," says Burgess. "It starts with their chemistry and ability to understand this is about us as a team, not any individual. If it's on the offensive end or defensive end, we are playing very well, collectively."
 
A closer look at this season's box scores reveals something else, too. The Lakers are making three-point baskets at an alarming rate. Entering this weekend, they are tied for fifth nationally in made three-point field goals per game (9.8) and seventh in three-point field goal percentage (41.5).
 
"We aren't taking a ton of threes, but the threes we are taking are very simple, inside out threes. It's not like we are having to create them off the bounce," says Burgess. "That's a credit to the creators we have. We have a lot of young ladies able to get into the paint and see those open shots."
 
While senior forward Kat LaPrairie is leading the stable of perimeter shooters with 19 trifectas, junior guard Brionna Barnett has created several long-range chances for the Lakers. The Wisconsin-Green Bay transfer boasts a team-high 18 assists. She has been much more than just a distributor, though. Barnett leads the team with 16.6 points per game.
 
"She's a creator," says Burgess. "She can get down, break down defenses and see wide-open opportunities for other people, but can also score in some clutch situations for us. Our team has embraced that."
 
As far as Tiffin goes, Burgess expects a tough challenge. A rocky start will not deter the Dragons, who have six players averaging at least 6.2 points per game, from giving the Lakers all they can handle.
 
"Tiffin will bring a balanced attack and has, traditionally, been very, very disciplined on its offensive sets," says Burgess. "We are really going to have to communicate on defense and be able to finish defensive plays so we can run in transition."
 
GVSU and Tiffin are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at the Fieldhouse Arena.