ALLENDALE, MICH. – For the fifth time in program history, the GVSU women's lacrosse team was selected to the NCAA Tournament. The Lakers will play Rockhurst in the first round of the Midwest Regionals on Thursday, played at Maryville University. 
 
Live Stats | Video | 4:00 PM EST/3:00 PM CT
 
Grand Valley State is making their fourth straight, and fifth overall, regional appearance. The Lakers won the GLIAC Tournament title on Sunday, taking down Northern Michigan 15-9. Ella Boose, Quinn McElroy, Ashleigh Rothe, Karleigh Rothe, and Zoe Ziegler all earned All-Tournament team honors for the Lakers. GVSU earned the four seed in the region, ending the regular season 15-3, champions of both the regular season and conference tournament in the GLIAC. In their four previous trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Lakers have posted a record 3-4, advancing out of the region in 2023, also as the four seed.
 
At 15-3, the Lakers have posted the fourth most wins in a season in program history, trailing only the 2022, 2024, and 2023 seasons. GVSU ranks fourth in the country in both scoring defense and save percentage. The Lakers allow 7.50 goals per game, with Kaylyn Cater and Sarah Krause post a .519 save percentage. They also have the 11^th best draw control percentage nationally, winning 59.5% of their draws. Six Lakers have tallied over 20 goals this season, led by Ashleigh Rothe's 50. Two others, Zoe Ziegler and Gracie Bancroft, have over 30. Sarah Krause and Kaylyn Cater were the top two goalkeepers in the conference, despite evenly splitting time in net. They have the two best goals against average in the league, and they have two of the top four saves percentages in the GLIAC.
 
The two teams did not play each other this season, but they did play seven common opponents. They both beat Colorado Mesa, Concordia-St. Paul, Quincy, Missouri Western, and Walsh, while losing to both UIndy and Maryville. The Lakers and Hawks did meet up in the 2024 season at Rockhurst, with GVSU winning 17-4. Ainsley Shilling and Zoe Ziegler each tallied two goals in the win and the Laker defense allowed just nine shots.
 
Rockhurst is making their first ever appearance in the Midwest Regional, earning the five seed. GLVC Coach of the Year Molly McCourt led the Hawks to a 13-4 record this season, finishing third in the GLVC, falling to UIndy in the conference tournament semifinals. Freshman Kylee Pickens was the lone Hawk on the GLVC First-Team, and was also named the league's Freshman of the Year. One of the best draw control players in the country, Pickens 9.59 draws a game, ranking second nationally. Attacker Elise Magee and midfielder Page Yehling were named second-team all-conference. Magee was the team's leading scorer with 51 goals and 60 points and Yehling led the team in caused turnovers and was second in groundballs. Mae Beins has played every single minute in goal for the Hawks, posting a .433 save percentage and 114 saves. The Hawks rank 14^th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 8.78 goals per game.
 
The winner of Thursday's game will play top-seeded Maryville on Saturday at 4:00 eastern. From there, that winner will play the winner of the other pod of teams, played at UIndy, featuring the second-seeded Greyhounds, number three Regis, and sixth-seeded Ashland.
 
Midwest Regional Rankings
1. Maryville (GLVC Champs)
2. UIndy
3. Regis (RMAC Champs)
4. GVSU (GLIAC Champs)
5. Rockhurst
6. Ashland (GMAC Champs)
 
How to Follow
This weekend's games will be available to follow along with via live stats or live video on the GLVC Sports Network. Or you can follow along on social media at @gvsuwlax. Tickets will be available for walk-up purchasing only.