ALLENDALE, Mich. – The No. 21 Grand Valley State Lakers opened their home schedule with an impressive 17-5 win over the McKendree Bearcats Friday (March 29) night at the GVSU Lacrosse Stadium. The Lakers conceded the first goal before rattling off 11 in a row to run away with the win and improve to 7-3 on the year and 4-1 in GLIAC play. McKendree is now 5-4 on the year and 4-2 in conference action.
 
Sarah Stagaard scored five goals and dished an assist while Kelley Fitzgerald dished out eight assists. Carly Shisler, Olivia Esposito and Megan Yoshida all recorded hat-tricks. Freshman goalie Payton Neil made 13 saves on 18 shots faced to bolster the GVSU defense.
 
McKendree scored just over a minute into the contest before the Lakers came storming back. Shisler scored a minute later to tie things up before Esposito tallied less than 50 seconds later to put the Lakers in front for good. The Lakers, who took a 10-1 lead into halftime, would have a running clock for much of the second half as they coasted to victory.
 
The Lakers, who play six of their final seven games at home, look for another win on their home field Sunday (March 31) at 12:00 PM when they host the Maryville Saints. GVSULakers.com will provide links to live stats and video while @GVSUWLAX provides live Twitter updates.