Oct. 17, 2007

Indianapolis, Ind. - The NCAA released its second set of Division II regional rankings on Wednesday, and once again, Grand Valley State University was on top. The release came just one day after the NSCAA/Adidas National Polls had the Lakers ranked as the top team in the nation for the seventh week in a row. Grand Valley State has compiled a 14-0 record on the season with a 6-0 record in the GLIAC.

Grand Valley State is the top team in the Great Lakes region, which is important, since the regional rankings are what ultimately determine postseason berths. SIU-Edwardsville (10-3-1), Quincy (10-4), Mercyhurst (10-3-1) and Northern Kentucky (11-4) round out the top five teams in the region. GVSU retained its top seed with wins over Northwood (7-0) and Saginaw Valley State (2-1) this weekend. The Lakers are also the only remaining unbeaten team in the GLIAC conference. With a 6-0 conference record, Grand Valley leads Mercyhurst (5-2) and Ferris State (4-2) for the GLIAC Championship.

As a team, Grand Valley State ranks first in Div. II in scoring offense, averaging 4.57 goals per game. The team also ranks second in goals-against average, giving up just 0.357 goals each contest. The Lakers are also one of just two teams in Div. II, along with Seattle Pacific, that has won every match so far this season. The Lakers rank ninth in shutout percentage, notching a shutout in 64.3 percent of their matches.

GVSU also has a number of individuals playing at an incredibly high level. Katy Tafler ranks first in the nation in goals per game (2.0) and points per game (4.71). She scored three goals over the past two games, tallying one against Northwood and both Laker goals against SVSU. Tafler also ranks 10th in the nation in assists per game (0.71). Kristina Nasturzio is the top goalkeeper in Div. II in goals-against average (0.237) and fifth in save percentage (0.906).

The Lakers have won 14 consecutive matches dating back to a 1-0 overtime loss to Metropolitan State in last season's National Championship Match. They also wrapped up the regular season with an active home winning streak of 25 matches.

GVSU's next match is on Thursday, Oct. 18 in Tiffin, Ohio against the Tiffin Dragons. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.