Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) secured a 16-9 victory over Saginaw Valley State University in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) matchup on Saturday. This win marks GVSU's 19th consecutive GLIAC win and extends their regular season winning streak to 16 games. The Lakers have also triumphed in 20 of the last 21 "Battle of the Valleys" contests.

The game began with a setback for GVSU when senior quarterback Avery Moore was sacked in the end zone, resulting in a safety and giving Saginaw Valley State an early lead. However, the Lakers responded with a field goal by redshirt freshman place-kicker Mathew Bacik, taking a narrow lead at 3-2.

Saginaw Valley State managed to score a touchdown early in the second quarter, bringing the halftime score to 9-3 in favor of the Cardinals. The Lakers' defense held strong throughout this period, keeping them within striking distance.

In the third quarter, GVSU regained momentum following a short punt from Saginaw Valley State. Sophomore running back Derrick Woods scored from one yard out after an 11-play drive, putting GVSU ahead at 10-9. A significant play came from sophomore wide receiver Kellen Reed who caught an important third-down pass during this drive.

Later, Moore connected with senior tight end Gavin Cossou for a touchdown following some strategic play-calling involving trickery on offense. Despite missing the two-point conversion attempt, GVSU maintained control with solid defensive stops.

Freshman punter Even Sunderman played a crucial role by averaging 45.6 yards on seven punts and placing two inside the opponent's ten-yard line.

Moore completed thirteen passes out of twenty-two attempts for one hundred eighty-four yards and one touchdown while rushing for twenty-eight yards himself. Senior wide receiver Kyle Nott recorded three receptions totaling sixty-seven yards; Reed added forty-six receiving yards across three catches; Cossou contributed his key touchdown reception.

Defensively junior linebacker Anthony Cardamone led with eleven tackles including two for loss alongside one sack while senior safety Ian Kennelly added eight tackles contributing significantly along with other teammates such as linebackers Damonte McCurdy Devin Pringle Kobe Hayward cornerback Terez Reid who made notable plays during critical moments securing this hard-fought victory away from home against ranked opposition setting up next weekend’s clash hosting Ferris State at Lubbers Stadium