ST. LOUIS – The No. 1 Grand Valley State women's soccer team begins the quest for a third consecutive national championship this weekend in St. Louis, Missouri. The Lakers will face Missouri S&T on Thursday (Aug. 25) at 3:30 PM CT (4:30 ET) and Maryville (Aug. 27) at 11:00 AM CT (12 ET). Both games will be played on the campus of Maryville University.
 
Coverage Links
Thursday vs Missouri S&T: LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO
Saturday at Maryville: LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO
 
The Katie Hultin era will officially begin Thursday as the back-to-back national champions were ranked number one in the country in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll. Despite losing three All-Americans from a season ago, the Lakers return plenty of talent with championship experience along with a pair of Division I transfers, and nine incoming freshmen poised to help the reloaded Lakers remain a powerhouse in the country. 
 
Missouri S&T enters the 2022 campaign under new head coach Jane Grimley. The Miners had one of the best seasons in program history in 2021, going 9-6-3, while going undefeated at home for the first time in program history. The Miners made the postseason for the first time since 2014, and advanced to the semifinals of the GLVC Tournament. 
 
Missouri S&T was tabbed to finish seventh in the GLVC preseason coaches' poll. The Miners will look to build off last year's season as they return nine starters from last season. Sydney Gratz returns after earning All-GLVC honors in 2021, leading the Miners in scoring with seven goals and five assists for 19 points. Danielle Hopkins also returns for the Miners after an impressive 2021 season where she earned All-GLVC honors. Hopkins was second on the team last season with three goals, two of them being game winners. 
 
Saturday's matchup will feature a Maryville team that went 6-8-2 in 2021 with nine contests determined in overtime. The Saints were picked to finish eighth in the GLVC preseason coaches' poll. 
 
Maryville returns key contributors from last season led by All-GLVC performer Lexi Gentry. Gentry posted three goals and two assists for eight points in 2021 and led the team with 39 shot attempts. The Saints also bring back starting goalkeeper Katie Nash, who finished with a .718 save percentage in seven starts, making 28 saves. 
 
Live stats and live video will be available for both games this weekend. For full coverage of both games, including live in-game updates, follow @GVSUSoccer on Twitter and visit gvsulakers.com.