ALLENDALE, Mich. – The No. 14 Grand Valley State Lakers swept the Davenport Panthers Saturday (May 1) in GLIAC action at the GVSU Softball Field. The Lakers took game one, 7-2, before a five-inning mercy rule win, 14-6, in the nightcap. GVSU improves to 35-7 on the season and 26-4 in GLIAC play, having already locked up the regular season championship and 1-seed in next week's GLIAC Tournament.
 
The Lakers used a three-run first inning to set the tone in game one. Lydia Goble doubled home a run then promptly scored on a single through the right side by Nikoma Holmen. Morgan Wagner would drive a fly ball deep enough to left for a sacrifice fly to round out the inning.
 
The Lakers would add to the lead with runs in each of their last three plate appearances. First, Megan Koenigshof used an infield single to plate a run with two outs in the fourth, then Taylor Rieger launched her fourth homer of the season just inside the left field pole to lead off the fifth. Joanna Cirrincione would yank a single into right field to plate the final two runs in the sixth.
 
Hannah Beatus (W, 17-2) earned the win for her complete game effort. She allowed two runs on six hits and a pair of walks while striking out five. Beatus has now earned the win in all 14 games in which she has pitched in GLIAC play this season.
 
A 12-run fourth inning gave the Lakers plenty to coast to victory. Lydia Goble smashed a grand slam over the right field fence and Bailey Thatcher unloaded the bases to highlight the inning. After Davenport got four runs in the fifth to extend the game, a two-run double by Holmen (on senior day, no less) plated the runs the Lakers needed to end the game with the win. Samantha Gehrls (W, 2-1) went the distance in the circle for the win.
 
The Lakers wrap up the regular season when they host the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals in a rescheduled doubleheader on Tuesday (May 4) at 2:00 PM at the GVSU Softball Field. The games will air on the Grand Valley Sports Network and GVSULakers.com and @GVSUSoftball on social media will provide live coverage links and updates.