ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's volleyball team continues GLIAC play this weekend with a pair of road contests. The Lakers travel to the central time zone, taking on Roosevelt Friday night, followed by a Saturday afternoon matchup with Parkside.
 
Roosevelt: Live Stats | Video | Friday | 7:00 PM EST/6:00 PM CT
Parkside: Live Stats | Video | Saturday | 4:00 PM EST/3:00 PM CT
 
The Lakers began conference play last weekend with a couple of sweeps. They defeated LSSU in straight sets on Friday at home, then traveled to Wayne State to take down the Warriors on Saturday. GVSU allowed over 20 points in just one of the six sets played and won by 10 or more points in four of the sets. Brianna Stawski totaled nine kills in each match, as the Lakers hit .388 on the weekend. GVSU served 16 aces across both games, led by Finley Arp's seven. This is the second straight season that the Lakers have started 2-0 in conference play, and the third time under Jason Johnson.
 
At 8-2 to begin the season, GVSU jumped up two spots to 17^th in the most recent AVCA national poll. The Lakers rank seventh nationally in hitting percentage, swinging at a .304 clip, led by Paige Sanders' .438 mark, which is 11^th in the country. Gabby Orlet is 29^th in all of Division II with assists per set, dishing out 9.75 a frame, while her 351 total assists rank 43^rd. GVSU is tops in the conference in opponents hitting percentage, allowing a hitting percentage .135, aided by their 1.74 blocks per set and over 12 digs a frame.
 
Under new head coach Jasmine Chambers, Roosevelt has begun the season 4-5 overall and 1-1 in league play, doubling their win total from last season, and winning as many GLIAC games as the prior year. The Lakers dropped the league opener to Ferris State in straight sets before defeating Northern Michigan in four sets. Three Lakers have totaled over 50 kills this season, with setter Merryck Brackett leading them with 171 assists. RU ranks second to last in the league in both hitting percentage (.138) and kills (10.14 per set), as only two regulars are hitting over .200. GVSU has beaten Roosevelt in all three of their previous meetings, including a sweep last year at home.
 
Parkside is also 1-1 in GLIAC play this year, but 7-2 overall, including 4-0 in their home arena. The Rangers were the fifth-highest ranked receiving votes team this week, garnering 44 total points. They took Ferris State to five sets before losing in their conference opener, then rebounded to sweep LSSU the following day. The Rangers are led by two-time GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year in libero Natalie Harris, who leads the league with 198 digs and 5.82 digs per set. On the offensive side, outside hitters Avery Polavin and Sierra Kilbourn both have recorded over 100 kills this season, both top 10 marks in the conference. Sophomore setter Lucy Russ directs the offense, distributing 250 assists, while also serving out 11 aces. GVSU and Parkside met once last season, with the Lakers coming away with a home sweep.
 
How to Follow
Both games this weekend will be available to follow along with via live stats or live stream through FloSports. For full coverage, follow along on social media @gvsuvolley and online at GVSUlakers.com.