Not even one of the hottest clubs in the GLIAC could prevent the Grand Valley State women's soccer team from setting up a momentous showdown with Michigan Tech on Sunday (Oct. 26). The No. 10 Lakers bested Northern Michigan, which had won four consecutive matches prior to today, 1-0 to maintain their lead in the conference standings.

GVSU put eight shots on target, however, a rebounded free kick resulted in the match's only goal. Defensively, the Lakers turned in a fine performance, limiting the Wildcats and the reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year, Paula Hafner, to a mere three shots. The four starting defenders—Clare Carlson, Alexis Mencotti, Juane Odendaal and Kaely Schlosser—all played 90 minutes to secure the club's ninth shutout of the year.

"We were much more organized defensively. The back line played all 90 minutes because they were so dominant," said head coach Jeff Hosler. "We did a good job of keeping possession, and we pushed the point of attack well."

The lone goal was set up by senior midfielder Charlie Socia's free kick from roughly 25 yards out during the 55^th minute. NMU goalkeeper Caroline Glantz made a fantastic effort to get a hand on the shot, but charging freshman midfielder Dani Johnson found herself two steps away from the loose ball. She drove home the finish for her second goal of the season.

"Charlie hit it well, with good pace and put it in a good location on the back side," said Hosler.

Senior forward Jenny Shaba tallied a game-high six shots, while junior Katie Bounds ended up with a game-high three shots on goal.

With the Wildcats in the rear view, GVSU and Michigan Tech will square off for first place in the GLIAC standings. The Lakers now have a 9-1-0 mark in league play, giving them more wins than anyone in the conference. Meanwhile, Michigan Tech is 7-0-1 (pending the result of its Friday-night match against Ferris State), making it the only GLIAC club without a loss.

"We're well aware of our position in the league standings," said Hosler. "We have to go out and chase (unbeaten) Michigan Tech on Sunday."

Kick off for Sunday's clash in Houghton, Michigan is scheduled for 12 p.m.

Notes:
-GVSU has won 18 of its last 19 meetings with Northern Michigan
-Redshirt freshman defender Alexis Mencotti made the first start of her collegiate career
-This is just the second time this season GVSU has won a 1-0 match
-Today marked the 14th time the Lakers held an opponent to less than 10 shots, bringing their record to 13-1 in those matches
-Senior goalkeeper Andrea Strauss tied Jessica Schmehl for the fifth-most solo shutouts by a Laker in a career (nine)
-Strauss also moved into a tie for fifth place with Erin Murphy for career wins (14) in the GVSU record book
-Charlie Socia made her 91st consecutive appearance this evening, passing Katy Tafler and Ashley Elsass for the fifth-longest streak in school history