Great Lakes Wire

As the Northern Michigan University (NMU) women's soccer team approaches the end of their 2024 regular season, they aim to secure the top position in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) postseason tournament. The Wildcats are scheduled for two away matches, facing Grand Valley State on November 7 and Saginaw Valley State on November 9.

The Wildcats currently hold an impressive record of 11-3-2 overall and 9-2-1 in GLIAC play. They are engaged in a close competition with Grand Valley State for the top spot, leading by one point. This rivalry has become one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, with both teams vying for the GLIAC Regular Season Title.

"The last few years it has turned into a great rivalry," said NMU head coach Jon Sandoval. "A great opportunity to go down there and play a quality game and quality soccer."

NMU's final regular-season match against Saginaw Valley State is critical. Earlier this season, they secured a 3-1 victory at home with goals from Hannah Kastamo, Molly Pistorius, and Justina L'Esperance.

The No. 19 ranked Grand Valley State women's soccer team remains consistent and formidable within the GLIAC, holding an overall record of 11-1-4 and 8-1-3 in conference play. In their recent match against Davenport, they played to a scoreless draw but maintained control by outshooting their opponents.

In their previous encounter with Grand Valley State, NMU lost narrowly by 1-0 after Ella Kleiver scored in the second half. Despite a weather delay due to lightning, NMU showed resilience but couldn't equalize.

Saginaw Valley currently stands at 7-5-4 overall and 5-3-4 in GLIAC play. Their latest victory was against Purdue Northwest with a crucial 1-0 win that brought them to fifth place in the standings.

In their earlier meeting this season against Saginaw Valley State, NMU emerged victorious with a balanced offensive performance resulting in a 3-1 win.