Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University secured a 34-21 victory over Roosevelt University in Arlington Heights, Illinois. This win brings the Lakers to a 10-1 record as they head into the NCAA playoffs. Ranked second in Super Region 3, Grand Valley State is set to host a first-round game on November 23. The program has achieved ten or more wins in a season twenty times over its 53-year history. The current senior class has won ten games for four consecutive years, marking the eighth time this feat has been accomplished by a senior class at the school.

The game began with an interception by sophomore safety Jason Hardy, leading to a scoring drive capped by Khalil Eichelberger's three-yard touchdown run. Senior safety Kobe Hayward recovered a fumble that set up another score with quarterback Avery Moore connecting with wide receiver Kyle Nott for a six-yard touchdown pass.

Midway through the second quarter, Mathew Bacik added a field goal to extend GVSU's lead to 17-0. Roosevelt responded with a late second-quarter touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-7 at halftime.

In the second half, GVSU's defense forced Roosevelt into a three-and-out on their opening possession. Junior Ike Udengwu then connected with tight end Harrison Hunger for another Laker touchdown. Udengwu also made key plays involving wide receiver Darrell Johnson that contributed significantly to maintaining and extending their lead.

A crucial moment came when junior defensive tackle Thomas Jolly returned an intercepted pass for a touchdown, sealing Grand Valley State's dominant performance despite two late touchdowns from Roosevelt.

The Lakers' offensive statistics included rushing for 225 yards and completing nine of twenty-one passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Eichelberger led with sixty-seven rushing yards while Moore and Udengwu contributed forty-six and thirty-four yards respectively. On defense, Grant Hart recorded seven tackles while Anthony Cardamone had six.