ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's volleyball team returns home this weekend for two GLIAC contests, hosting Davenport and Northern Michigan. Friday will also be the Lakers' Cancer Awareness Game, while Saturday will be Senior Day and Kids' Day.
 
Davenport: Live Stats | Video | Tickets | Friday | 6:00 PM
Northern Michigan: Live Stats | Video | Tickets | Saturday | 3:00 PM
 
The Lakers are coming off a 2-0 road trip, defeating Roosevelt in a sweep, before taking down Parkside across five sets. The two victories improved the Lakers' record to 4-0 in conference play and 10-2 overall, vaulting them to 16^th in the national rankings. Gabby Orlet was named GLIAC Setter of the Week after her weekend performance, dishing out 91 assists, including a career-high 61 on Saturday. Finley Arp (17) and Sara Pahl (14) each had career-highs in kills in that game, while Brianna Stawski set a season-high with 18. Lexi Armstrong dug out 26 balls, also a career-high, in the win.
 
Friday will be the Cancer Awareness game, as both teams have collaborated with Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids to help fundraise for people and families going through a cancer diagnosis. There will be a 50/50 raffle, along with t-shirts for sale, with the proceeds going to Gilda's Club.
 
The lone edition of the Crosstown Showdown takes place on Friday in Allendale. Davenport started the season 8-1, before losing their two most recent games. They defeated Michigan Tech and PNW to start league play, then fell on the road at NMU and Tech this past weekend, sitting at 2-2 in the conference. The Panthers are the best serving team in the conference, sending out 1.86 aces per set, led by Abby Alan's 21. Alan is also one of the best attackers in the conference, recording 129 kills, with her 3.39 kills per set ranking sixth in the league. DU splits time at the setter position, rotating in both Madison Berry and Keira Dommer, both of whom have over 200 assists. GVSU won all three matches over the Panthers last season, dropping only one set.
 
On Saturday, GVSU will honor their four seniors prior to the match against Northern Michigan. Brianna Stawski, Sara Pahl, Autumn Gorman, and Kate Goudreau will all partake in the pregame ceremony. The four players have been part of 97 victories, one GLIAC regular season title, and two trips to the NCAA Tournament. It will also be kids' day, with a pregame sign-making station and an autograph session happening postgame.
 
Closing out the weekend will be a matchup against the Wildcats of Northern Michigan. After going 3-5 in non-conference play, NMU has rebounded to win three of five once GLIAC play began. Setter Allie Barlow just passed 3,000 assists for her career, and she ranks second this year with 10.29 assists per set. Her favorite target is outside hitter Kaylie McIntosh, who has totaled 169 kills, second in the league. The Lakers and Wildcats met once last season, with NMU coming away with a five-set victory in Marquette.
 
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.