Game Notes

Despite clinching the GLIAC regular season championship outright last week at Walsh, the Grand Valley State women's soccer team knows perfectly well what is at stake on Friday when rival Ferris State comes to play in Allendale.
 
Bragging rights for the winner of the rivalry matchup, as well as going a perfect 12-0 in conference play are two of the primary motivations for the Lakers heading into the game.
 
"If we're able to run the table at a perfect 12-0, obviously it means that we've managed to beat everyone we've played in conference, and we've done it convincingly, on both sides of the ball," GVSU head coach Jeff Hosler said. "To finish 12-0 would continue to demonstrate the standard that has been set and the tradition here with our soccer program."
 
What better place then, than the friendly confines of GVSU Soccer Field, where Grand Valley has been perfect all season and outscored their opponents by a margin of 49-4.  Both teams have also seen each other play the same opponent earlier this season.
 
"Having played them several times last season, we're very familiar with them and them with us", Hosler said. "We had the opportunity to share an opponent here with Cal St. San Bernardino, and for us to see them play and them to see us play. I respect [Ferris Coach] Andy McCaslin a lot, he does a very good job there. They'll return some key players from last season, and they'll come in with the confidence of having the best season in school history for their program."
 
Tied for third in the conference with 29 goals, the Bulldogs present a formidable offensive threat to Grand Valley, which has allowed just one goal in conference play thus far. Nichole Boehnke (7 goals) and Casey Shauman (3 goals) are two important playmakers that Grand valley will have to shut down.
 
"They've spread their scoring around pretty well this year , so that means we have to be sharp in our collective team effort," Hosler said.  "Boehnke is very good for them up front, she's very talented and we'll have to keep track of her. Casey Shauman gave us a lot of problems last year as well. In goal, their keeper is having a fantastic year, and she's been a major contributor to the great season they are having."
 
With the conference tournament looming large over this final game, the impetus will be on Grand Valley to finish the regular season strong by staying focused on the task at hand and not being waylaid by thoughts of postseason play.
 
"We've had the mindset all season of focusing on getting better today to prepare for tomorrow," Hosler added. "We'll be mentally prepared to play our best soccer on Friday because of that."
 
Kick off for the game is set for 7 p.m. at GVSU Soccer Field in Allendale, Michigan on Friday, October 30^th.