ALLENDALE, Mich. -- The No. 6 Grand Valley State Lakers scored two second-half goals to break a halftime tie and start the 2018 season with a 3-1 win over the Bellarmine Knights at the GVSU Soccer Field in front of 414 fans.
Corey Sawall had a goal and an assist to lead the Laker attack while
Riko Sagara and
Timia Robinson also found the back of the net.
Sawall got the Lakers on the board in the 6' when she took a through ball from Sagara and dribbled through a pair of defenders and the goalkeeper. Bellarmine answered in the 20' when a difficult hand ball in the box was called and the Knights converted on the penalty to tie the game. The score was deadlocked at halftime before GVSU responded with two second half goals. Sawall inset a rolling pass from the left wing for a one-time finish by Sagara for what would prove to be the game-winner.
With three minutes left in regulation, Bellarmine sent a lofted shot towards the cross bar, but
Jessica Radice was able to leap and parrie the ball over for a crucial save. On the ensuing corner kick, the Knights brought their keeper forward in desparation and a quick counter by
Timia Robinson allowed her to outrun everyone on the field and walk the ball into the back of the net with just two seconds remaining in the match.
The Lakers look to make it two Labor Day Weekend wins when they host Missouri-st. Louis on Sunday (Sept. 2) at 12:00 PM.
