SANDUSKY, Ohio – The No. 13 Grand Valley State Lakers are GLIAC Tournament champions after capping off an undefeated run through the conference tournament with a comeback 5-3 win over the Northwood Timberwolves in Thursday's (May 13) championship game. The Lakers improve to 41-7 on the season and clinch an automatic bid for the NCAA Midwest Regional, which will take place in Allendale, Michigan next week.
 
After Northwood rallied for three runs in the top of the third inning, the Lakers immediately responded with two in the home half. Joanna Cirrincione singled then scored on a Taylor Rieger double off the wall in left field. Two batters later, Nikoma Holmen laced a single to drive around Rieger and get the Lakers back within one.
 
In the fifth, a two out rally drove the Lakers to the championship. Rieger was hit by a pitch then Lydia Goble lofted a double into no-man's land in left-center. After Holmen wass intentionally walked, Morgan Wagner laced a single over the shortstop and into left to put the Lakers ahead. Hannah Hollister followed suit with a knock of her own to add an insurance run.
 
Hannah Beatus (W, 21-2) battled to keep the Lakers in it for the eventual comeback. She allowed three runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four. Beatus is now 18-0 against GLIAC opponents this season after three wins in the tournament.
 
The Lakers will find out their seeding for the NCAA Regional this Sunday (May 16) in the selection show. The regional will take place next week at the GVSU Softball Field. For updates on game times, seedings, opponents and more, visit gvsulakers.com or @GVSUSoftball on social media.