ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Grand Valley State women's soccer team begins GLIAC play this weekend at home against rival Ferris State and Saginaw Valley State. The Lakers will open their GLIAC schedule against Ferris State Friday (Sept. 15) under the lights at 7:00 pm and then will face Saginaw Valley State on Sunday (Sept. 17) at 1:00 pm for alumni and kids day.
 
The Lakers closed out their nonconference schedule last weekend in Mankato, Minnesota. GVSU claimed a 2-0 win over Mary before defeating No. 8 Minnesota State 1-0 to go 2-0 on the road trip. The Lakers improved to 2-1-1 on the season as they enter the GLIAC schedule. 
 
In the win over Mary, graduate Avery Lockwood scored her first goal in a Laker uniform off an assist from sophomore Amanda Palmer. Senior Taylor Reid scored late in the game to make it 2-0 for her first goal of the season. In the win over Minnesota State, the Lakers outshot the Mavericks 22-14, 8-4 on goal. Minnesota State was called for a hand ball in the box in the 73^rd minute which resulted in a Laker penalty kick. Sophomore Kacy Lauer took the penalty kick and scored on the low left corner of the goal for her second goal of the season. 
 
The Lakers have outshot their opponents 61-27 and 24-9 on goal through the first four games. GVSU has also produced 22 corner kick opportunities to the opponents eight. Lauer leads the team with two goals on the season, while Lockwood has notched one goal and one assist. Junior goalkeeper Kendall Robertson has notched five saves in three starts,m earning her first shutout of the season against Minnesota State. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Isabel Imes started in her first career game as a Laker against Mary and made three saves in the shutout victory. 
 
Ferris State enters the weekend with a 2-1-1 record. The Bulldogs closed their nonconference schedule last weekend on the road at Findlay and at Ashland. Ferris State played to a scoreless draw at Findlay before losing to Ashland 3-0. 
 
The Bulldogs have scored five goals this season by five different players. Senior forward Payton Price leads the team with a goal and two assists. Freshman midfielder Isabella Baron has notched a team leading eight shots with five on goal. Sophomore's Haley Buckman and Bella Vallone have each scored a game winning goal. Junior goalkeeper has started in three games making ten saves with two shutouts. 
 
Saginaw Valley State enters Sunday's game with a 3-1 record. The Cardinals will open up their conference schedule this Friday at Davenport before making the trip to Allendale. Saginaw Valley State closed out their nonconference schedule last weekend with a 2-1 loss at Ashland and a 2-1 win at Findlay.
 
The Cardinals are led by junior forward Stephanie Strong who has notched three goals and three assists for nine points through her first four games. Sophomore midfielder Madi Bajis has scored three goals for six points, while freshman Lauryn Fracassi and graduate Campbell Gibson each have notched a goal and assist. SVSU has split the goalkeeping duties between sophomore's Lainey Garbarz and Kennedi Pugh. Garbarz is 1-1 on the season with 10 saves including a shutout win where she made six saves against Truman State. Pugh is 2-0 on the season with six saves. 
 
GVSU is welcoming back alumni during halftime on Sunday and will host their second annual 100 kids vs the team event after the game. Visit gvsulakers.com for ticket information and links to live video and live stats. Follow @GVSUSoccer on Twitter for live in-game updates all weekend long.