Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) women's lacrosse team has advanced to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championship game after a decisive victory over Davenport. In their third encounter in eight days, the Lakers defeated the Panthers 16-4.

The match began with both teams unable to score for much of the opening period. However, GVSU soon found its rhythm, with Ashleigh Rothe scoring first, assisted by Jillian Bingman. Maddy Champagne followed with two consecutive goals, and Sydney Stone added another, leading to a 4-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Lakers continued their offensive push into the second quarter. Stone scored again, joined by Delaney Smith and Zoe Ziegler on the scoreboard. Although Davenport managed a goal to make it 7-1, Champagne completed her hat trick before halftime, extending GVSU's lead to seven goals.

In the second half, Champagne quickly scored again but was countered by a Panther goal. She then assisted Hailey Crittenden for another Laker goal. Stone achieved her hat trick as well, increasing GVSU's lead to 11-2. Despite another goal from Davenport, Champagne responded promptly as GVSU entered the fourth quarter ahead 12-3.

Davenport opened scoring in the final period; however, GVSU closed strong with four unanswered goals. Stone netted her fourth of the day while Rothe and Champagne each added one more before Ziegler concluded scoring with an assist from Leah Leonard.

Champagne led GVSU's offense with six goals and an assist. Stone contributed four goals; Ziegler and Rothe scored twice each; Crittenden and Smith added one apiece. Bingman and Leonard provided assists for their teammates' efforts.

On defense, GVSU forced 12 turnovers against Davenport—Hope Leinen caused three alone—while Ferrie along with others forced two each. Kaylyn Cater secured victory in net with two saves.

The Lakers are set to face Northern Michigan on Sunday at noon for the GLIAC Championship title.