ALLENDALE, MICH. – Coming off one of their most successful seasons in program history, the GVSU women's lacrosse team was voted first in the GLIAC's preseason coaches' poll. The Lakers received all three first-place votes from the rest of the league to sit atop the preseason standings.
 
Last year, the Lakers won their third consecutive conference regular season and tournament titles, as well as claimed the Midwest Regional crown to advance to the program's first Final Four. GVSU went 16-5, sweeping through the GLIAC schedule, running their league winning streak up to 29 straight regular season victories. Entering her sixth year leading the Lakers, head coach Mackenzie Lawler has posted a 64-14 record and guided GVSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
They return seven All-GLIAC players, including five IWLCA All-Region performers, and one who earned IWLCA All-American honors. Maddy Champagne is back after earning All-American and GLIAC Midfielder of the Year honors, as well as All-Region and All-GLIAC performers Kylie Waeghe, Sydney Stone, Ashleigh Rothe, and Aislynn Alkire. Hailey Crittenden and Kate DeYoung also return to Allendale after All-GLIAC seasons a year ago.
 
Champagne, Waeghe, Alkire, and Crittenden all were voted USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason All-Americans. Champagne and Waeghe were both on the second-team, while Alkire and Crittenden were honorable mention selections.
 
Coming into the year, the Lakers were voted fifth in the IWLCA preseason coaches' poll, tying their finish last year as the highest ranking in program history.
 
Grand Valley begins their season on February 23^rd at Mercyhurst. Their first home game is scheduled for March 17^th against Ashland.