A look at the top stories from the school year at Grand Valley State University.
GVSU football sweeps Ferris State
ALLENDALE - Fans stormed the field as they rushed to celebrate with the Grand Valley State University football team after a huge playoff win over rival Ferris State University.
“It feels great,” GVSU receiver Darrell Johnson said. “Especially after losing in 2021 and 2022 in the playoffs. To get revenge is a great feeling.”
The No. 2 ranked Lakers beat the No. 3 Bulldogs 21-14 on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
“They’re a great football team and we’re a great football team,” First-year GVSU coach Scott Wooster said. “It’s just a rivalry game. I saw (Ferris State QB) Mylik Mitchell on the way out (of the news conference) and gave him a hug. It’s been a battle for the three years I’ve been here. There’s so many cool people in this rivalry and so many great games in this rivalry.”
GVSU trio just misses Olympics
Three Grand Valley State athletes nearly qualified for the Olympics this past week at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.
The trio of Lakers, past and present, each qualified for the finals in their event and helped put GVSU on the map nationally at the center of track and field in Eugene, Oregon.
Erika Beistle finished fourth in the shot put, Jaivon Harrison was sixth in the high jump and Kristen Hixson Leland was 11th in the pole vault.
For Beistle, it was an emotional finish, her highest ever, but also just one spot away from making the U.S. Olympic team for Paris.
"All I have to say is that I am so honored to compete at this level among some of the best in U.S. track and field, on one of the largest stages," Beistle said. "I am grateful to be a part of Grand Valley State's track and field team, and thankful for all my coaches, friends and family who have supported me from the beginning. I would not be where I am today without them, and I am so thankful for all the opportunities and experiences that I have gained along the way."
GVSU football stunned by late touchdown, Cade Peterson injury in NCAA regional final
SEARCY, Ark. - The Grand Valley State offense struggled to get going in the NCAA Division II Super Region 3 finals. The loss of quarterback Cade Peterson didn't make it any easier.
The No. 2 Lakers lost 7-6 to No. 4 Harding to end their season 11-2 after winning two playoff games.
Peterson, a Harlan Hill Award finalist, left the game in the fourth quarter after taking a hit on a pass. He was on the sidelines in a sling.
GVSU women's basketball just misses Elite Eight
ALLENDALE - With an electric rivalry atmosphere on their home court, it just seemed like a matter of time before the Grand Valley State women's basketball team hit that big shot to send the Lakers to the NCAA quarterfinals.
It never came.
The No. 2 Lakers had several shots late, but committed three turnovers in the final minutes and lost to rival No. 6 Ferris State 49-46 in the NCAA Midwest Regional final on Monday night at home.
"Obviously it (stinks) right now and we need to take this as a learning moment. It will be about how we bounce back and use our offseason," GVSU's Nicole Kamin said.
The Lakers, who won the GLIAC title, have one senior on the roster, but not in the regular rotation.
"It is a unique situation and to not have seniors. We pretty much have everybody back," GVSU coach Mike Williams said. "It is so tough to win the GLIAC and anything can happen in the NCAA tournament. It was an unbelievable season."
Baseball wins first GLIAC title since 2014
The Grand Valley State baseball team is headed to the NCAA tournament.
The Lakers (30-23) defeated Saginaw Valley State 5-3 on Sunday to win the GLIAC title and earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament.
The Lakers have the sixth seed and will play third-seeded Maryville (Mo.) on Thursday in the first round. GVSU enters the tournament on an eight-game wins treak.
The win is the first GLIAC title for the Lakers since 2014 and the 21st title in program history.
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
Most Popular
Comments / 0