BIG RAPIDS, Mich.—For the first time all season, the Grand Valley State women's soccer team surrendered a goal to a GLIAC team, ending the Lakers bid for a record zero goals allowed all season to conference opponents.  The second half goal proved inconsequential, however, as the Lakers surged out to a 2-0 halftime lead and added an insurance goal in the second half to overpower the Bulldogs by a 3-1 tally.
 
The win improves the Laker's season record to 16-1-1, and secures another undefeated conference slate.

"I'm really happy with the way we possessed the ball as effectively as we did, playing on that surface in such a tight space", said GVSU head coach Jeff Hosler. "We scored a pair of first goals that were first class, from start of possession to hitting the back of the net. When this group is focused and plays with energy, we are very difficult to beat."
 
The Lakers jumped out ahead of the Bulldogs in the 10^th minute off of a header from Gabriella Mencotti, who came into the game tied for the Division II lead in goals. That goal came off of a pass by senior forward Kendra Stauffer into the box, which Mencotti knocked past Ferris State goalkeeper Grace Kraft and ending the Bulldogs 514 minute plus scoreless streak.
 
Not two minutes later, the Lakers doubled the lead off of a corner kick, as Marti Corby and Aunika Ortiz set up Clare Carlson for her fourth goal of the season. That goal would give the Lakers a 2-0 lead, which would carry them into the halftime break.
 
In the second half, GVSU pounced on the Bulldogs quickly out of the gate, as Stauffer netted her 14^th goal of the season off of an assist from forward Jayma Martin.
 
A Laker foul in the 66^th minute awarded Ferris State a scoring opportunity, as a penalty kick was awarded to the Bulldog. Jenna Hong's try bounced off the goalpost and right to the Bulldog's Audrey Romine, who put the ball into the net for the first conference goal allowed by the Lakers on the season.
 
Despite yielding the second-half goal, the Lakers kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard for the remainder of the match for their 16^th victory of the season. Overall, the Lakers held a healthy lead in shots (30-12) and shots on goal (17-6) over Ferris State.

"This team has been fantastic defensively all year, to only allow one goal in conference play is a remarkable feat", Hosler said. "I think we feel collectively robbed by that goal tonight and expect we will see even more pride in our defending moving forward."
 
Sophomore Jennifer Steinaway earned the win between the sticks, saving five shots over the 90 minute contest to improve to 16-1-1 on the season.
 
Stauffer led the way for the Lakers with three points, while Mencotti and Carlson each notched two points on solo goals, and Corby, Ortiz and Martin each chipped in an assist.