Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) women's lacrosse team concluded their Ohio road trip with a victory over Ashland, maintaining a perfect 2-0 record. The Lakers led throughout the game, securing a 13-11 win.

GVSU started strong, scoring three goals in the first five minutes. Cece Mainhardt scored her first collegiate goal with an assist from Jillian Bingman. Gracie Bancroft and Grace Maddox, assisted by Zoe Ziegler, also scored to give GVSU a 3-0 lead. Ashland responded with a goal before Ainsley Shilling added another for the Lakers. The Eagles scored at the end of the period, trailing 4-2 after 15 minutes.

In the second quarter, Ashleigh Rothe scored quickly for GVSU. Ashland narrowed the gap to 5-4 with two consecutive goals. Shilling and Rothe each added a goal to extend GVSU's lead, but Ashland closed the half at 7-5.

Ashland came within one point early in the third quarter before GVSU went on a decisive 4-0 run. Bingman scored twice, followed by Bancroft and Ziegler each adding a goal. Despite two late goals from Ashland, GVSU led 11-8 after three quarters.

Bingman continued her performance with two more goals in the final quarter, extending GVSU's lead to 13-8. Although Ashland attempted a comeback with three consecutive goals, it was insufficient as GVSU secured their fifth win of the season.

Jillian Bingman was instrumental for GVSU with five points—four goals and an assist. Ainsley Shilling, Gracie Bancroft, and Ashleigh Rothe each contributed two goals; Bancroft and Rothe also had assists. Cece Mainhardt, Zoe Ziegler, and Grace Maddox each added one goal; Ziegler provided an additional assist.

Sarah Krause led defensively with five groundballs while Tatumn Nyen and Elora Ferrie collected three each. The Lakers dominated draw controls at 18-10; Ashleigh Rothe and Kendra Swope both secured five draws while Kylie Waeghe obtained four and Shilling gathered three.

Looking ahead, GVSU will host Maryville on Friday and UIndy on Sunday afternoon for their first home games of 2025.