Holland Reporter

The Laker lacrosse team emerged victorious in the opening game of the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament against Rockhurst Hawks on Thursday afternoon. The team secured a 9-4 win, propelling them to the regional semifinals where they will face top-seeded Maryville.

GVSU fell behind initially when Rockhurst scored first. However, Zoe Ziegler equalized midway through the first quarter. Despite Rockhurst regaining the lead briefly, Grace Maddox's two consecutive goals ensured GVSU ended the quarter ahead at 3-2.

In the second quarter, Ella Boose added two goals and Gracie Bancroft contributed one more. The Laker defense was solid, preventing any scores from Rockhurst with Kaylyn Cater making a crucial late save, bringing the score to 6-2 by halftime.

Rockhurst managed to score early in the third quarter but was countered by goals from Bancroft and Ashleigh Rothe, giving GVSU an 8-3 advantage going into the final quarter.

Although Rockhurst reduced their deficit to four points midway through the fourth quarter, they could not close in further due to three key saves by Sarah Krause. Jillian Bingman sealed GVSU's victory with a late goal.

Both Kaylyn Cater and Sarah Krause performed admirably as goalkeepers. Cater recorded four saves while Krause made seven in the second half. Defensively, Karleigh Rothe and Ella Boose each caused two turnovers, with Kendra Swope collecting three groundballs—the highest on her team. Boose also led with three draw controls.

Offensively, Gracie Bancroft, Grace Maddox, and Ella Boose each scored twice; Bancroft and Boose also provided assists. Ashleigh Rothe, Zoe Ziegler, and Jillian Bingman each added one goal. Swope assisted twice while Rothe and Ziegler contributed one assist apiece.

The Lakers are set to compete against Maryville on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM Eastern Time in the Midwest Regional semifinals.