Playing under pressure is nothing new for the Grand Valley State women's soccer team, considering that the Lakers have been picked to win the GLIAC regular season title in each of the last eight preseason rankings.
 
So while Friday's game against Walsh (5-6-3, 3-5-1 GLIAC) doesn't seem as important as the upcoming bout with Ferris State (12-3-1, 8-1-1 GLIAC), the ability to clinch the regular season title outright with a win is not lost on the Lakers. 
 
"Walsh is just like anyone else in the league in that if you don't play well, they can give you problems," head coach Jeff Hosler said. "They've struggled to find consistency this year, but they have some very talented players. Kristen Conti and Jessie Gearhart are both very talented on the attack."
 
Walsh has had mixed performance on the attack this season. Gearhart and Conti have accounted for 16 of the Cavalier's 20 goals this season, and will not have an easy time scoring on Laker's defense that has allowed just one goal in conference play this season.
 
Offensively, the Lakers will look to stick to the game plan that has them in 2^nd place in the country with 73 total goals this season.
 
"We have to make sure we are focus and organized and that our possession is good," Hosler said. "When we are sharp, we're scoring lots of goals, and when we're not, we put ourselves in a tough position."
 
That focus has been the goal for GVSU in every game this season, and despite what's at stake for the matchup with Walsh, there's no added pressure on this Laker's squad.
 
"This weekend is no different in terms of our focus and tactical plan than every other match."
 
Kick off has been set for 4 p.m at Milazzo Field in North Canton, Ohio.