ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Grand Valley State Lakers, playing for just the second time in a full month, found their offensive rhythm with a 6-3 win over the Michigan Tech Huskies Tuesday (April 27) in the GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinals. The Lakers, who are now 4-1-1 on the spring season, will advance to face Ferris State in the semifinals in Big Rapids, Michigan this Friday (April 30).
The Huskies opened the scoring in just the 3' on a counter over the top, but the Lakers would respond at the half-hour mark. In the 30'
Cecilia Steinwascher headed home a beautiful cross from the right wing by
Caitie Baron to level the score. Just five minutes later, the Lakers would push ahead with a goal from
Chantel Carranza, who finished off a combo from Steinwascher and
Kennedy Bearden. That 2-1 lead would carry into the break.
Lauren Ross gave the Lakers breathing room with a long-range goal in the 54' after Steinwascher switched the ball in the midfield. The Huskies got one back in the 68' but moments later a nice through-ball by
Avery Tack put Bearden behind the defense and she tight-roped the end line before beating the keeper to get it right back.
A Steinwascher free kick from 30 yards out was parried by the Tech keeper, but the ball stayed in play and Ross was able to get to the rebound first to touch it home for her second of the day in the 72'. Just minutes later, a brilliant combo across the top of the box saw Baron and Carranza combo a ball to
Alicia White and she beat the Huskies keeper on the one-on-one.
The Lakers had their regular season match with Ferris State canceled due to COVID-19 protocols, so Friday will be the first meeting between the Lakers and GLIAC regular-season champions. Stay tuned to gvsulakers.com and @GVSUSoccer for updates as they become available.
