IWLCA Release

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – The Grand Valley State women's lacrosse team heads into the 2020 season as the No. 20 ranked team as released by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) on Monday.  The Lakers capped off the 2019 season with a record of 14 wins and four losses. 
 
GVSU concluded the 2019 season at the No. 22 spot in the final IWLCA ranking after falling in overtime of the GLIAC tournament finals to Indianapolis, 18-17.  Head coach Mackenzie Lawler enters her second season at the helm of the program. 
 
"We are excited to start the season ranked in the top-20," said Lawler.  "We felt that we competed with some of the best teams in the country last year and look forward to a competitive spring schedule to continue to prove ourselves as one of the top programs in the Midwest."
 
The Lakers are led by captains Sophie Conroy, Anna Gritter, Sarah Stagaard and Megan Yoshida.  Senior Attacker Abbi O'Neal scored the team's second-most goals last season, as she found the back of the net 51 times. 
 
Overall, GVSU posted a .513 shot percentage and held their opponents to a shooting percentage of just .394.  Goalie Payton Neil led the GLIAC in save percentage (52.2 percent) and total goals against with 66 recorded on the season.  The Lakers return seven starters for the 2020 season. 
 
"With many starters returning from last season and a mix of athletic freshmen, we're looking forward to being able to reach new heights this spring," said Lawler. 
 
The Lakers kick off the 2020 season at Lake Erie on Feb. 23.  In 2019, GVSU opened the year with a 14-4 road victory over then-ranked No. 19 Lake Erie.