ALLENDALE, MICH. – With just 42 days remaining until the start of the 2023 lacrosse season, the Grand Valley women's lacrosse team is already achieving new program records, as they were picked fifth in the USA Lacrosse Magazine preseason poll. That marks the highest ranking they have ever reached in the poll.
The Lakers are coming off their winningest season ever, as they went 19-2, winning the GLIAC regular season and tournament championships and advancing to the Midwest Regional Championship game. GVSU return three of their top five point scorers in Molly Bursinger, Maggie Hammer, and Kate DeYoung, and three starting defenders with Shae Strehl, Aislynn Alkire, and Karleigh Rothe all back, as well as their top goalkeeper in Audrey Maloney.
"After a record setting year in 2022, we are very proud to start 2023 off with a top five ranking," head coach Mackenzie Lawler stated. "With many top players back, new players ready to contribute, and amazing leadership from our four captains, we are ready for the challenge to still take another step forward as a program. I am excited for the challenging schedule we have ahead."
The Lakers will take on six schools who were also ranked in the poll, including three in the top 10. Five of the first eight games are against ranked opponents, with games against #10 Rollins, #17 Colorado Mesa, #6 Regis, #8 Indianapolis, and ##19 Mercyhurst in the nonconference schedule. Then once conference play starts, GVSU will face #18 Davenport twice in GLIAC action.
The 2023 season kicks off in Florida on Thursday, February 16
th, as the Lakers take on Flagler in St. Augustine, then a trip to Winter Park to play Rollins on the 18
th. The first home game is on Sunday, March 12
th against Indianapolis.
