ALLENDALE, MI. (Nov. 17, 2018) - Jennies Soccer is back in the elite eight after a thrilling Central Region victory against MIAA foe, Central Oklahoma 4-3 in overtime. The Jennies are taking on the Midwest Region Champions, Grand Valley State.
Opponent: Grand Valley State (22-1-0, MIAA 10-1-0)
Where: Allendale, MI.
When: Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 - 1 p.m. (EST)
The Week Ahead
• The Jennies are coming off of a 2-0 week in Bemidji, Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament. The Jennies defeated No. 6 Augustana (SD) in the first round 3-1, before shutting out the No. 2 seed Bemidji 2-0. The Jens headed to Allendale, MI for the sweet-sixteen. In the opening round, UCM battled UCO and came out on top in overtime 4-3.
• Heading into Central Region Tournament the Jennies were seeded No. 3 are now set to take on Grand Valley State to kick off the elite-eight.
• The Jennies entered the 2018 season ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll (formerly National Soccer Coaches Association of America). UCM is coming off its eighth straight MIAA Regular Season championship, fourth MIAA Tournament championship, fifth straight Central Region crown, and a 2017 NCAA D2 National Championship Title.
Scouting the Competition
Grand Valley State Lakers
• The Lakers are coming off of a 2-1 victory over Farris State in the Midwest Region Title of the NCAA Tournament. The Lakers have a home-field advantage, being a host school in the elite eight.
• The Lakers are led by sophomore forward Ava Cook, who has 21 goals on the season, 124 shots and five assists thus far. Junior mid-fielder Riko Sagara is a player to watch leading the team in assists with 20. Madeline Becker, a freshman forward is another top scorer for the Lakers with 13 goals and five assists on the season.
• Head Coach Jeff Hosler is in his fifth season with the Lakers. Hosler has led the Lakers to a pair of NCAA Championships, three NCAA title game appearances and four trips to the Elite Eight.
• Central Missouri and Grand Valley first met in 2013.
