BIG RAPIDS, MICH. – After their trip down to Florida to open the season got canceled, the GVSU women's volleyball team had to make a quick change of plans and join the FSU Invitational for two games on Saturday. The Lakers made that short trip up 131 count, as they swept both Thomas More and Malone to begin the year 2-0.
 
"Our kids showed great energy and focus in the matches today. We could have had a letdown in both of those areas since losing our initial trip to Florida," remarked head coach Jason Johnson. "I thought Sarah Wight, Jordyn Gates and Julia Blaney did an incredible job leading the team today in all aspects of the matches today."
 
In the opener, the Lakers won the three sets, 25-17, 25-11, and 25-10. Jordyn Gates led the way with 14 kills, 11 assists, and eight digs, while also adding three blocks. Sarah Wight added nine kills, three blocks, and three service aces. In her collegiate debut, Kate Goudreau had eight kills and three digs, while Kendall Stover had six kills and four digs. Rachel Jacquay dished out a team-high 17 assists and Blaney led the way with 15 digs. Over the three sets, the Lakers had nine service aces and eight total blocks.
 
In game number two of the day, GVSU rolled through Malone, 25-11, 25-12, and 25-12. Stover and Wight led the way offensively with nine kills apiece, with Stover adding six digs and Wight having five total blocks. Gates and Jacquay each tallied 14 assists, while Madison Gates led the way with eight digs. The Lakers once again had nine service aces, while recording 12 total blocks.
 
In addition to Goudreau and Madison Gates, four more Lakers made their GVSU debut, with Sara Pahl, Paige Sanders, Elena Vaara, and Jaden Rice all appearing today for Grand Valley.
 
Up Next
GVSU will have their home debut next weekend as part of their own tournament. The Lakers will play Colorado Christian on Thursday night at 6pm. They will then play Tiffin and Clarion on Friday, before finishing up with a matchup on Saturday against Ursuline.