Sept. 14, 2007

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State's women's soccer team has at least eight more days to appreciate the first #1 ranking in school history. The Lakers, who advanced from #2 to #1 on Sept. 4, don't play again until Sept. 22.

After losing the 2006 National Championship Match to Metropolitan State of Denver 1-0 in overtime, the Lakers entered the 2007 season ranked second, behind only Metro State. But, after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Winona State on Sept. 1, the Roadrunners dropped all the way to 11th. The Lakers, meanwhile, have used stifling defense and an explosive offense to go 6-0 to start the season, outscoring opponents by an 18-2 margin.

Defending Div. II and GLIAC Player of the Year Katy Tafler has picked up right where she left off last season, scoring eight goals and recording 19 points in the first six games of the year. Last season, Tafler set GVSU single-season records in goals (33) and points (73). While the Lakers lost Shannon Carrier, their second leading scorer last season and GVSU's all-time assists leader, after last season, Ashley Elsass and Kristen Eible are helping the Lakers make up the lost offense. Elsass has already topped her three goals from last season, scoring four in the first six games this season. Three of her goals have been game-winners and Elsass's ten points are second on the team. Eible, a freshman, has scored three goals in her first six collegiate games.

The defense, led by returners Kourtney Willert, Meaghan Robinson, Sue Christenson and Emily Berner, has limited opponents to just 14 shots through six games. Goalkeeper Kristina Nasturzio has only had to face 13 shots through 502:13 of action. She has already recorded three shutouts this season, as well.

The Lakers started out their season with three consecutive shutouts. On the road in Colorado, GVSU defeated both the Colorado School of Mines and Regis University by 1-0 margins. Following the two game road trip, GVSU has played their last four games at home. On Aug. 31, the Lakers began the homestand with a 3-0 defeat of Missouri-St. Louis. They followed that up with a 5-1 win over SIU-Edwardsville and a 3-1 win over Indianapolis. In their last match, GVSU downed Lewis University by a 5-0 final.

The Lakers will take the field next in Evansville, Ind. when they take on Southern Indiana on Sept. 22. Opening kickoff is set for 1 p.m. GVSU will then return home to take on St. Joseph's (Ind.) on Sept. 25 at 4 p.m.