The 10^th ranked GVSU women's soccer team will open the conference season this weekend when it plays host to the Oilers of Findlay on Friday and the Storm of Lake Erie College on Sunday.
 
This week finds the Lakers sitting at a solid 3-1 record, fresh off a very tough non-conference schedule.
 
"To be 3-1 at the of that non-conference schedule gives us a good idea of what we are capable of", head coach Jeff Hosler said. " It gives us something to build on as we go through GLIAC play."
 
An opening weekend loss to Quincy was the only blemish for GVSU, which has rattled off three straight wins, including Sunday's win against No.4 Minessota State University. During that streak, the Lakers have outscored their opponents 11-2, a sign that the offense is starting to gel for a team that scored 79 goals last season.
 
"We are starting to understand when to penetrate instead of just possess", says Hosler. " I'd like to see more consistency in our offense from half to half."
 
Friday's match against Findlay will be the first conference opponent GVSU will see this season as they look to build on last season's conference co-champions finish.
 
"Findlay will be a much improved side from last season. I give them credit for playing against some real tough competition thus far and playing them well."
 
The Oilers sit at 1-2-1 after their own non-conference schedule, and feature a talented midfielder in Katelyn Anderson, who leads the Oilers with 8 points (3 G, 2 A).
 
"Anderson is a good player for them, kind of pulls the strings for that team. They play hard and they are going to come in confident from last weekend on Friday", Hosler said.
 
Sunday's opponent will be the Storm from Lake Erie College. The Storm are 1-3 this season, and are led in points by sophomore forward Ashley Pryce (6, 3 G).
 
"Erie has a great coach down there that's recruiting well for them, she has a couple dynamic players up top that caused issues for us last season, but they are a really young side this season."
 
Aside from the excitement around the weekend's matches, the arrival of distinguished program alumni for Alumni Weekend will certainly create a buzz around the team. The team will spend much of the weekend with former players, attending Saturday's football game together, as well as partaking in other team activities.
 
"We get the chance to get some of our alumni in all weekend, we have some events planned with them and they get to see us play twice and be around the girls", Hosler said. "My staff and I  are looking forward to having them on campus."
 
Friday's game will kick off at 7 p.m on Friday at GVSU Soccer Field. Kick off for Sunday's game is slated for 1 p.m.