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The old saying about defense winning championships may hold true over the course of entire seasons, but offense is more likely to win out when Grand Valley State and Rollins meet in Saturday's (Dec. 4) NCAA Championship.
 
Entering this weekend, the No. 11 Lakers and No. 8 Tars were ranked in the top five among Division II clubs in nearly every offensive category. GVSU ranked third in scoring offense (3.13 goals per game), Rollins checked in at second (3.24). The Tars boasted the third-most points (206), the Lakers had the second-highest total (220). Both lead the nation with 70 assists.
 
In terms of who's doing the scoring, the two clubs are relatively unrivaled in that aspect as well.
 
GVSU is the only Division II team featuring four players—Katie Bounds, Marti Corby, Gabriella Mencotti and Jenny Shaba—with at least 10 goals. Rollins is one of just three with a trio of double-digit scorers. Even more impressive, the Lakers are one of two clubs boasting 10 three-goal scorers. The Tars carry six of their own.
 
There are plenty of intriguing individual offensive duels, too.
 
Corby and Tars sophomore midfielder Paxton Sicker were Daktronics All-America First Team selections. Mencotti and Rollins senior forward Brenna McKee were Daktronics All-America Second Team honorees. Senior defender Juane Odendaal garnered a first-team laurel, while senior defender Azure Dorsey represented Rollins' back line on the second team.
 
Both may have only needed one goal apiece to advance to the title game, but they racked up several chances against outstanding defenses in the NCAA Semifinals. GVSU tallied 26 shots, including eight on goal, in its shootout victory over No. 6 Saint Rose, which had the nation's fifth-lowest goals against average (0.361). In its 1-0 win over No. 7 Colorado Mines, the top defensive club in Division II (0.245 GAA), Rollins put 10 of its 19 shots on frame.
 
"Obviously we pose a lot of threats for them and vice versa," says head coach Jeff Hosler. "(Both are) very good on the attack, our front lines are very good and dynamic, our center mids can all play outside of their own defined role by possession, holding mids can penetrate and playmakers can score goals. Those two lines are very comparable."
 
This could leave a heavy burden on the respective goalkeepers to prevent goals from piling up. Fortunately for the Lakers, they are riding a hot keeper in senior Andrea Strauss. The Troy, Michigan native made six stellar saves in 110 minutes, followed by three more stops in the shootout, leading GVSU past Saint Rose.
 
It also has a back line playing some of its best soccer.
 
"I do really like the way our back line is playing. Our outside backs have been fantastic through our NCAA Tournament run," says Hosler. "Juane Odendaal and Clare Carlson have both been lock-down-type defenders."
 
As for the implications, those are pretty straightforward.
 
GVSU, which is making its fifth NCAA Championship appearance in six seasons, can become just the second program in Division II history with four national championships. Rollins is seeking its first-ever national title.
 
Don't expect a low-scoring affair at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. These two should deliver plenty of offensive fireworks. No matter the outcome, one thing is guaranteed: it'll be unbelievably fun to watch.
 
"In a lot of ways, we are going to mirror each other. It's nice in a way," says Hosler. "Any situations presented we know what they look like, because we have talked about them from our side. When we talk about defending them, what they are trying to do and things they are going to look for, those are all ideas we have discussed all year long in our system of play.
 
"It adds a little bit of comfort level for our players."
 
Kick off is scheduled for the NCAA Championship is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST.