The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced today that Grand Valley State sophomore LB Abe Swanson (St. Charles, Ill.) was named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week. Swanson tallied eight tackles (2 solo/6 assisted), recorded a pass deflection and notched an interception that he returned 45 yards for a touchdown in the Lakers' 49-17 victory over Saginaw Valley State. GVSU led 7-3 before Swanson picked off a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to up the lead to 14-7. Swanson was key piece of a Laker defense that dominated the second half, limiting the Cardinals to 124 yards of total offense. Swanson, who now has two GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honors this season, leads GVSU in tackles with 34, while also recording 3.5 TFL.

#6 Grand Valley State (4-0, 1-0) will host Northwood Saturday (Oct. 9) in the annual Laker Family Day contest. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lubbers Stadium.