Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State women's soccer team began their NCAA Tournament journey with a victory over Missouri - St. Louis, securing a 2-0 win in the first round on Friday morning. This result improves the Lakers' season record to 13-1-7.

Kendall Aikens, a freshman, scored the opening goal for the Lakers in the 24th minute. "Aikens made a great move to create space from the defender and made a great strike at the top left corner of the goal," contributing her third goal of the season. Sophomore Alli French assisted, marking her team-leading 11th point this season.

In the second half, senior Taylor Reid extended GVSU's lead in the 55th minute with assistance from Alex Williams. Reid's effort resulted in her second goal of the season as she maneuvered past a defender to score.

Junior goalkeeper Cailynn Junk was pivotal in maintaining GVSU's clean sheet, achieving her 10th individual shutout this season with eight saves, seven of which were in the second half.

Despite being outshot by UMSL 13-11 and trailing 8-6 on shots on goal, GVSU emerged victorious. The Tritons had more corner kicks than GVSU with seven compared to five.

Kendal Aikens also recorded her second game-winning goal of the season within just 35 minutes on the field. Other notable performances included Vesna Dennison playing all 90 minutes with two shots and one on target, Amanda Palmer having two shots and one on target in limited playtime, while Alex Williams, Taylor Reid, and Kennedy Bearden each had a shot on goal. Kacy Lauer, Daan Louwerse, and Mackenzie Ford played throughout all regulation time.

GVSU advances to face either Maryville or McKendree in Sunday's second-round match-up. The game is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM ET at Maryville's campus in St. Louis and will be streamed live via GLVC Sports Network.