Grand Valley State led the nation in scoring with 99 goals in 2018 despite not having a single senior on the front line. The Lakers offense should have great options coming into the 2019 season, again without a single senior in the group of forwards. Unanimous All-American Ava Cook returns for her junior season after leading the GLIAC in scoring a year ago to lead a group that should make headlines all fall.
 
Cook scored 24 goals last season, including 11 of her goals in nine post-season matches for GVSU. She enters the 2019 season tied for the fifth most career goals of any returning Division II player (37) and she's the only one on the top-5 list not going into her senior season. With a great summer and impressive preseason camp, Cook looks ready to make even bigger waves this year.
 
"Ava has been tremendous in her preparation for this season," said head coach Jeff Hosler. "She has been highly motivated to play her best soccer and I'm really excited to see how that work translates to game action this year."
 
Caitie Baron will return to the wing this season after five goals and eight assists a year ago. The transfer from Division I Xavier University now enters her second year in Allendale and looks to continue to be a dangerous threat from the outside. She scored what would be the game-winner in the Lakers NCAA Semifinal win over Lee in November.
 
"Caitie made an immediate impact when she joined our team," said Hosler. "She's a high-IQ player that knows when to make runs and has the speed and fitness to create several chances each match. We are looking for her to make a big jump in her second full year with the program."
 
Greta Deloach showed flashes during a freshman season that was hampered by injuries, collecting nine points in just ten matches. Hannah Klingerman returns from a torn ACL that kept her out for the 2018 season and brings speed and depth to the wings.
 
Some of the freshmen from a very talented class of forwards have had strong showings this preseason and figure to factor into the offensive scheme. Kennedy Bearden, Morgan Cochran and Kristy Clanton have all shown good speed and ability to probe opposing defenses during preseason scrimmages. Add in Chantel Carranza, who we featured in the midfield preview, and there is a lot of talent to reinforce the returners up front.
 
"We're going to ask a lot out of our freshmen and sophomore forwards this season," Hosler said. "With some injuries and other circumstances, our depth up front will be tested. We need everyone to be ready to contribute."
 
Led by one of the top scorers in the country, the Lakers will look to replicate their 2018 scoring pace. They'll get their first chance to find the back of the net this Thursday (Sept. 5) when they host Rollins at 7:30 PM at the GVSU Soccer Field.