BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – In a year wrought with adversity, compounded by a season full of trials and tribulations, the Grand Valley State women's soccer team has managed to once again play on the last possible day of the season.
 
The Lakers will face the Northern Michigan Wildcats in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) 2021 spring tournament championship this Sunday (May 2) at 1:00 PM on the campus of Ferris State University. The Lakers, who entered the tournament as the 4-seed, are 5-1-1 while the 3-seed Wildcats are 8-2-1.
 
The Lakers won the regular season meeting, 7-0, on the opening day of the season. Since then, the Lakers have hit COVID-19 speed bumps that included four regular-season games canceled, various players in quarantine at different times, a disjointed practice schedule and more. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have surged to earn a result in nine of the ten matches they've played since.
 
The Lakers won their semifinal by a 1-0 score against the top-seeded Ferris State Bulldogs in their only meeting this year. Kennedy Bearden scored for the second time in as many games for what would prove to be the game-winner in just the 7' and the Laker defense held their shape and composure to keep the clean sheet and advance to Sunday's championship. The Wildcats also beat a higher seed Friday, downing the Ashland Eagles by the same 1-0 score to earn a rematch with GVSU.
 
"I'm very proud of the way our team stepped up in the semifinal on Friday. We've been so disjointed all season; it's felt at times like we are still in the preseason while other teams are in midseason form," said head coach Jeff Hosler. "It took every ounce of effort and energy we had to get the result we needed against Ferris. But the job isn't done and we're going to have to dig even deeper to win a trophy on Sunday."
 
NMU's Caroline Halonen was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Year with 11 goals and an assist for 23 points in 11 games. Ava Cook earned first team All-GLIAC honors with 20 points in her six games played, scoring eight goals and dishing four assists. Cook recorded a hat-trick against the Wildcats back on March 26 and is one of six All-GLIAC performers for the Lakers along with Mia Hansen earning GLIAC Freshman of the Year honors.
 
"Northern Michigan has some very explosive offensive weapons and can create instant offense. They've gotten better and better as the season has progressed and are really clicking right now," said Hosler. "Our defense will need a similar inspired effort like we saw on Friday and the offense will need to be ready to match their firepower."
 
The Lakers are seeking a 14^th consecutive GLIAC Tournament championship. With the path they've needed to trek this season, to climb the mountain once again and prove that no matter what is thrown at them the Lakers can persevere, would be as impressive as any feat the six-time National Champions have accomplished.