Carreri courts Crawford

Senior athlete's engaged -- 

Originally, Grand Valley State University seniors Tony Carreri and Kara Crawford came to campus to play football and women’s basketball for the Lakers, but their individual decisions to play co-ed intramural softball changed their lives forever.

Carrari, a senior tight end on the football team, and Crawford, a senior forward on the women’s basketball team, first met on a softball field in 2008 while playing on a team with mutual friends.

Courtesy of Eric Coulter

After a few years of getting to know each other, it became apparent that their competitive yet caring nature was a compliment to who they are as individuals and as a couple, so Carreri decided to propose.

“The big thing for me was I wanted it to be surprise. I didn’t want her to see it coming, [and] I didn’t want her to expect it,” he said. “It wasn’t going to be a Friday night, awkward real nice dinner, rings in the dessert type deal.”

For two people who have a shared appreciation for athletics, it was fitting that Carreri decided to incorporate sports into the proposal. Last fall, he arranged for Crawford’s parents and grandmother to come to Allendale for a GVSU football game, where he had plans to drop down on one knee, outside of Lubbers stadium at the conclusion of his game.

Crawford didn’t suspect a thing.

As the couple prepares for their wedding in July, they were quick to point out that the GVSU Athletics has played a vital role in their relationship and their ability to understand each other.

“Neither of us would’ve been at Grand Valley if it wasn’t for our respective sports,” Carreri said.

Carreri and Crawford said sports are just a part of who they are, and competing for GVSU has helped create a mutual understanding for their commitment toward sports and other things that are important to them.

Carreri’s brother, Nick, said common personality traits such as being outgoing, responsible and having the ability to relate to each other are a few qualities that have helped shape their relationship.

The ability to relate to each other was especially evident when both athletes were trying to recover from knee injuries, Carreri’s in 2009 and Crawford’s in 2010.

Courtesy of Eric Coulter

“When each of them was injured, the other knew what to do and what they were going through,” Nick Carreri said. “The best person they could turn to was the person they were with the most, so I think that really helped because they didn’t need anyone else, they could just turn to each other.“

As seniors this season, they both bring experience, leadership and passion to their respective teams. They also hope to teach younger teammates how to carry on the tradition that comes along with Laker athletics.

“Tony and I are thankful for our experiences at Grand Valley that we’ve had with our sports teams,” Crawford said. “It’s kind of a tight-knit community and I think if Grand Valley wasn’t so neat in that way we never would’ve met.”

Botts’ four-goal weekend powers team

At the start of the 2011 season, the Grand Valley State University women’s soccer team used defense and timely scoring to come away with victories, but this weekend the Lakers had the offense rolling, thanks in large part to junior forward Ashley Botts.

On Friday, the Lakers outscored Northwood University 7-1 before hitting the road Sunday to put away Ohio Dominican University by a score of 1-0.

Courtesy Archive Photo

“The last of seven or eight games we’ve played a little bit better soccer as we’ve gone on, and some the goals that we’ve been scoring in certain games have given us a little more confidence going forward,” said GVSU head coach Dave DiIanni. “I think it’s no surprise that Ashley and Kayla Addison are getting on the score sheet, and that’s helping our team [because] scoring goals is all about confidence.”

Botts has been on a tear as of late, coming off two straight GLIAC Player of the Week honors. She has scored seven goals in GVSU’s last six games, including four goals against the Timberwolves.

“I was just trying to connect for my team, they did work getting it up there to me, and I was just trying to finish it off,” Botts said after the victory over Northwood.

The first of seven Laker goals against Northwood came in the 20th minute from Botts, who knocked the ball in the center of the net after receiving a pass from junior Kayla Addison. Less than two minutes later she struck again, this time on a pass from senior midfielder Erin Mruz.

There is no denying that GVSU fans in attendance were witnessing a Botts highlight reel, but Alyssa Mira, Addison and Maria Brown chipped in with goals to add as well.

Before the first half ended, junior Mira kept momentum on GVSU’s side and joined Botts in the scoring parade by taking a ball right outside the 18 box and guiding to the back of the net. The goal gave the Lakers a 4-1 lead.

Di Ianni said GVSU carried energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the game plan into the second half to score three more goals.

On Sunday, GVSU traveled to Ohio Dominican University to take on the Panthers in a game where the Laker defensive effort was relentless, allowing the Panthers to get off only two shots in 90 minutes.

Sophomore Kayla Kimble said going from an offensive battle on Friday to a defensive game takes a lot of mental engagement, communication and organization to keep the game in front of them.

“We just have to stay in control and relax and play our game,” Kimble said.

GVSU was held scoreless for just over 52 minutes until freshman Charlie Socia used a header that scooted by the Panther goal-keeper to score her second goal of the season.

“I would rather have an ugly win than a pretty loss,” DiIanni said.

GVSU is now 9-0-2 on the season and 9-0 in GLIAC play, and will be back in action at 7 p.m. Friday at Northwood University.

Lakers stumble in doubles, fall 5-4 to Northwood

For the second time this season, the Grand Valley State University women’s tennis team dropped a 5-4 decision to a GLIAC opponent.

On Tuesday, Northwood University came prepared to battle with the Lakers, as the visiting Timberwolves came out victorious in all three doubles matches. With the loss, GVSU is now 7-2 overall and 6-2 in GLIAC play.

Courtesy Archive Photo

“It as a disappointing loss because we just didn’t get the job done in doubles,” said GVSU head coach John Black. “The big story of our season this year is getting our doubles working. If we can get [doubles] going we can beat any team we play. If we’re in 3-0 hole we’re not going to win many matches.”

GVSU countered Northwood’s attack by compiling a four wins in the singles matches but couldn’t quite recover from the early deficit.

The Lakers were led by senior Tara Hayes and freshman Leah Dancz, who defeated their singles competition 7-5, 6-3 and 6-4, 6-3 respectively.

“I knew I had to go out there giving 100 percent,” said Hayes. “I played the best tennis I’ve played in probably four years. We lost all three doubles, [so] going into my singles match I gave it all I had. It was definitely worth it.”

Traditionally, Northwood is a strong team and a conference contender said Black. Still, GVSU outplayed the Timberwolves in the later part of Tuesday’s match, and hopes to get another shot at their GLIAC foe during the conference tournament.

Hayes said coming into the match GVSU wasn’t feeling a lot of pressure knowing that Northwood was a strong conference opponent. However, once the score was tied 4-4, the match got heated.

Dancz, who only competed in singles, said she felt the intensity of the match when she stepped out on the court.

“It was a lot of pressure after the doubles had lost to come back and win all the singles, but [the team] didn’t give up,” Dancz said. “We kept fighting and almost pulled it off so that was exciting.”

Aside from Hayes and Dancz, sophomores Lexi Rice and Anne Marie Morin also picked up wins for Lakers at No. 4 and No. 6 singles, respectively, while senior Alyssa Lucas had her seven-match win streak snapped.

As conference play continues, the team knows they have to improve both the execution and concentration during doubles play.

Hayes and Dancz said if the Lakers can find a way start doubles competition with the same aggressiveness as they do with singles, GVSU will be unbeatable.

“We’ve had a lot of matches in the past few days,” Black said. “We played four this [past] weekend and one [Tuesday], so tomorrow we’re going to rest. Then we’re going to continue to work on doubles in practice. Hopefully, the things we’re doing in practice will pay off down the road.”

The Lakers will be back in action on Friday, squaring off against GLIAC rival Ferris State University. The match will take place in Big Rapids at 3 p.m.

Teams wash cars for Make-A-Wish Foundation

Competing for championships is a yearly expectation for Grand Valley State University’s athletic program, but what Laker fans do not often realize is being an athlete at GVSU involves more than just game play.

Each year Laker athletes spend countless hours away from sports to participate in community service projects.

Courtesy of Coach Jones

On Saturday, the GVSU men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams hosted a car wash and donated the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“When we do events like this, it shows everyone that we’re not just all about sports, we’re involved the community too,” said Jocelyn Kuksa, senior pole vaulter.

The two teams are comprised of 188 athletes, with 150 of them taking part in the community fundraiser. The car wash took place at four different locations, including McDonald’s in Allendale, Arby’s in Standale, Advanced Auto Parts in Jenison and Walgreen’s in Grandville.

The athletes raised about $1,300 for charity.

“We used to do a car wash as a fundraiser for our team, but two years ago we decided to give back to Make-a-Wish Foundation,” said GVSU assistant coach Steve Jones. “Overall, it was a very successful day. You can’t always judge an event like this by its monetary outcome because it’s something that our athletes embrace and love doing together.”

Jones said community service is integral to Division II athletics, because it helps with character building.

“It’s not just [the cross country and track] teams, all the teams do something,” he said. “[Women’s] basketball went down to Alabama to help with tornado relief and football volunteers at a camp.”

Aside from benefiting the Make-a Wish Foundation, the car wash helps GVSU athletes improve team chemistry, build character and prepare for life after their playing days are over.

“We are a big group, so an event like this allows us the chance to bond and get the chance to know each other a little bit better,” said Tyler Emmorey, senior distance runner. “I like doing things like this because I actually get to see it pay off in the community.”

For some student athletes, giving back to organizations means helping out a cause near to their hearts.

“I have some family and friends who are sick, so to take time out of my day to give back to people who need it is good,” Kuska said.

At the same time, Kuksa knows that giving back to the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the team bonding are the two main goals, but they also gain new fans and bring positive publicity to GVSU by working in the community.

Tough opponents yield positive results for women's tennis

Even divided by state lines, the Grand Valley State University women’s tennis team proved this weekend that it can still unite together to turn out the win.

During a weekend when half of the team played in Indianapolis at the ITA Regional Tournament while the other half competed in Chicago at the River Forest Tennis Club Invitational, the Lakers found a way to turn in strong performances.

Courtesy Archive Photo

Four players participated in the regional tournament in Indianapolis, where senior Tara Hayes, who went 2-1 on the weekend, led the team.

“The regional tournament is not flighted, which means the third or fourth best player on one team could be playing the top player from another team,” said GVSU head coach John Black. “We faced some of the top teams in the region this weekend and I was very happy with our performances.”

Hayes, whose lone loss on the weekend came at the hands of the top player in the region, said preparing for a tournament is a little different than a traditional match.

During tournaments, each team member is playing a different opponent, which makes mental preparation key because athletes are competing individually.

“I really enjoyed this weekend because I faced a lot of international competitors,” Hayes said. “They hit and serve the ball harder so it was a good challenge.”

In Chicago, five GVSU freshmen competed against a field full of Division I opponents. Still, the Lakers didn’t let their opponents dictate the level of play or results on the weekend, finishing with a 21-6 record.

“The freshman went out and played extremely tough tennis this weekend, which is only going to help us get better,” Black said. “You don’t get better by beating teams 6-0, 6-0 — you get better by playing tough tennis.”
 
Leading the way were freshman Morgan Patterson and senior Alyssa Lucas, who both went undefeated during singles play. Freshman Kelly Trapp also turned in solid performances, posting a 3-1 record.

“It was a little intimidating at first playing all Division I schools, but we knew if we played tough, we could compete with anyone,” said freshman Kelly Trapp. “Playing such tough competition helps me believe in myself, and take the mentality of never give up on and off of the court. Hopefully, that is something I can use throughout my life.”

For several of the first year players, this weekend’s competition was the first time they even cracked the lineup.

The solid results posted by the newcomers is not only an indicator that they are capable of competing, but it speaks volumes about the leadership abilities of seniors Katelyn Schaffer, Lucas and Hayes.


Moving forward, GVSU hopes their strong performances against formidable opponents is a good implication that they are headed in the right direction.

The Lakers have three home GLIAC matches this weekend against Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University and Hillsdale College.

“Lake Superior and Michigan Tech are going to be tough matches,” Black said. “We just need to continue to play well in singles and elevate our doubles.”

Freshmen aid GV in Saginaw Valley takedown

A strong start helped propel the Grand Valley State University women’s tennis team to a 7-2 victory over GLIAC rival Saginaw State University on Tuesday.

The No. 15-ranked Lakers were looking to get back on track after suffering their first loss of the season to Wayne State University on Sunday, a goal they easily accomplished.

“We knew we had to step it up and come ready to play today,” said sophomore Anne Marie Morin. “We can’t take anything for granted.”

With Morin’s words in mind, GVSU came into the match with the mindset compete hard, regardless of who the opponent is or what the score is.

As the first serve went up the air, GVSU displayed energy after picking up wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. Junior Allison Fecko and senior Alyssa Lucas defeated the Cardinals 8-0, while the sophomore duo of Lexi Rice and Niki Shipman won their match 8-1.

“From Sunday to [Tuesday] we really turned it around,” said Jon Black, GVSU head coach. “I feel like we’re starting to reach our form, and we got strong performances from our freshmen today.”

Tara Hayes and Morin dropped their doubles match 7-9, but kept the momentum on the Lakers’ side in a battle that went down to the wire.

“Personally, I think I did better today. I really wanted to focus on moving forward and being more aggressive than I was on Sunday,” Morin said.

The consistent play in doubles by the entire team helped GVSU relax, and build a lead it would not relinquish.

“Anytime we have a lead after doubles it’s huge because it takes pressure off of our singles matches,” Black said. “Then we know we only have to win three of our singles matches, and we feel like we can beat anyone in the conference once we have the lead.”

As the day continued, GVSU kept their “step it up” mindset alive, dropping only one match during singles play. Freshmen Kristina Lucas and Kali Phillips helped shut the door on the Cardinals with strong performances, winning 6-1, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-0 respectively.

“We were all excited to get back on the court, and wanted to redeem ourselves after the loss,” said junior Alyssa Lucas. “We all played well today. Everyone did their part, and the freshmen Kali and Kristina played tough, which was great.”

With the win, the Lakers improve to 3-1 while Saginaw Valley falls to 0-3. GVSU hopes to build off their total team effort this weekend as they compete at ITA Regional Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Women fall to Wayne State after strong weekend homestand

In the first week of competition, the Grand Valley State University’s women’s tennis team had to deal with something it did not encounter all of last season — a regular season loss.

The Lakers opened the season with two consecutive wins over GLIAC foes the University of Findlay and Tiffin University before dropping a hard fought match against Wayne State University Sunday.

Courtesy Archive Photo

With the Wayne State loss aside, there were some bright moments in this weekend’s play, including two dominating wins over the Oilers and Dragons and a come-from-behind three-set win from sophomore Lexi Rice.

“We went 2-1 on the weekend and had two good wins,” said GVSU head coach John Black. “I don’t think we’ve reached our full potential yet. We just need to keep working hard. It’s a gradual process, and hopefully we will get another shot at Wayne during the conference tournament.”

The Lakers came out rolling on Friday behind strong play from sophomores Niki Shipman and Rice at No. 3 doubles and ended the day with a 9-0 sweep.

On Saturday, the team once again came out strong, defeating Tiffin by a score of 8-1 and sweeping in doubles competition. Singles was equally as strong, led by a 6-0, 6-0 victory from junior Allison Fecko.

Sunday’s back and forth match against Wayne State spanned almost four hours with the Lakers coming up short, suffering a 5-4 defeat. GVSU started the match by dropping two of its doubles matches, giving Wayne State momentum heading into singles competition.

Alyssa Lucas, Anne Marie Warren and Rice were victorious singles matches, but it wasn’t enough to give GVSU the win.

“I was frustrated by all the little mistakes I was making,” said Rice, who won her singles match in a tie-break. “She was tough, but I told myself I wasn’t going to lose."

Looking forward, GVSU knows they have to continue to play hard and can’t get caught up in the loss.

“All the matches were close. It’s just a matter of eliminating a few mistakes. We’ll get them during conference,” said Rice.

The team will be back in action Tuesday at Saginaw Valley State University at 2 p.m.