ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's volleyball team heads out for their first roadtrip of the conference season, traveling to Ferris State and Davenport this coming weekend. All three teams are tied atop the league standings, looking to separate themselves early in the GLIAC season.
 
Ferris State: Live Stats | Video | Friday | 6:00
Davenport: Live Stats | Video | Saturday | 3:00
 
In the opening weekend of GLIAC play, the Lakers picked up two sweeps, taking down LSSU and SVSU. Over the two games, GVSU had a balanced offensive attack, with five players having over five kills in at least one of the games. Defensively, GVSU held their two opponents to a .016 hitting percentage, registering 11 blocks. The two victories moved the Lakers to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the league. They are now ranked 19^th in the country by the AVCA, the fourth straight week they have been ranked.
 
A battle of the preseason top two teams in the conference leads off the weekend, as GVSU travels to Big Rapids to take on Ferris State. The Lakers were picked first in the preseason coaches' poll, with the reigning GLIAC champion Bulldogs selected second. FSU is also 2-0 in league play, defeated Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan last Friday and Saturday. Ferris State has begun the season 7-3, ranked 12^th in the country, winners four of their past five matches. They lead the league in both kills, 13.85 per set, and in digs at 17.76 a set. Sophomore outside hitter Gabby Piazza ranks second in the league in kills per set, 3.97, and points per set, 4.44. Setter Hayley Wegener dishes out over 10 assists a set, while libero Jasmine Wellet digs 3.58 balls a set. The Bulldogs have been dominant at home since the decade started, going 59-6 since 2020.
 
On Saturday, Davenport and Grand Valley State will commence the Crosstown Showdown over in Caledonia. The Panthers are 5-4 overall and have started 2-0 in GLIAC play, defeating Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech last week. DU has the reigning GLIAC Defensive Player and Setter of the Week, with Hayley Carr and Madison Berry earning the honors. Carr is second in the league in digs at 136 and Berry leads the league with 11 assists per set. Outside hitter Abby Alan leads the Panthers with 100 kills and has served a team-high 15 service aces. The Lakers have won the previous seven matches over the Panthers, dating back to the 2022 season, as well as they have won five straight at Davenport.
 
How to Follow
Both games are available to follow along with via live stats or live stream on FloSports. For full coverage of the game, including live in-game updates, follow @GVSUVOLLEY on Twitter and visit gvsulakers.com.