BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Valley State women's soccer team travels north to face the top-seeded, No. 11 Ferris State Bulldogs Friday (April 30) at 12:00 PM in the 2021 spring GLIAC Tournament semifinals. The Lakers are sitting at 4-1-1 after a 6-3 win over Michigan Tech in the quarterfinals, while Ferris State is undefeated at 8-0-1 after a 3-0 win over Saginaw Valley in the tournament opener.
 
The Lakers offense regained their footing in the GLIAC Quarterfinals, scoring six times to push their overall goal total to 32 in six matches played. Although several players missed time throughout the season due to COVID-19 protocols, the Lakers offense has been team oriented, generating 32 goals with 36 assists this season. Individually, despite missing four regular-season matches, the Lakers have two of the top five in total goals, assists and points in the GLIAC this season.
 
"It's been great to see some of the combinations and team play we've utilized despite limited games and even more limited full team trainings," said GVSU head coach Jeff Hosler. "We've had some players out of their usual positions and been forced to even switch positions multiple times within a match while also juggling different formations. Our attacking system is complex but everyone has really stepped up on the offensive end and shown real versatility and ability in a tough spot."
 
The missing personnel and practice time have shown on the defensive end; however, with the Lakers allowing as many goals this season, seven in six games, as all of 2018 and 2019 combined against conference opponents. The Bulldogs meanwhile have allowed just one goal en route to a GLIAC regular season championship. The Lakers and Bulldogs did not play in the regular season.
 
"We know our defensive play has to be better if we are going to advance to the GLIAC championship. I hope that playing for the second time in the same week for the first time since March will allow us to get into a better rhythm defensively and make some better plays in and around our box that we know we're capable of making," Hosler said.
 
The Bulldogs are confident and experienced with a roster full of upper classmen. Junior keeper Taryn Meiste has allowed just one goal all season with a senior-laden back line in front of her. Offensively, Grace Verhage has led the attack with four goals and four assists while Pia Nagle has also tallied four goals and Emily Mergener has scored twice.
 
"This is a position that our veteran players have never really experienced going into a game at GVSU," said Hosler. "We are the underdogs, and only the four seed in this tournament. We have to go on the road against a very good team and will need to play our very best to advance. This will be a great test of our team's focus, mental toughness and grit and I'm eager to see how we respond in this situation."
 
The Lakers find themselves in unchartered territory, an underdog facing a road, must-win scenario in order to advance in the GLIAC Tournament and keep their season alive. In a year and season compounded by adversities, this is a chance to prove themselves as the defending champions they are with heart, effort and ability. GVSULakers.com and @GVSUSoccer on Twitter will provide coverage links and live updates.