Seniors look to lead GVSU into season
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After an injury-plagued campaign last season, the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team has focused on an elementary aspect of basketball entering this season — teamwork.
“My expectation is for us to play as well as we can as a team,” said head coach Janel Burgess. “I’m excited for the balanced attack we’ll have this season.”
The Lakers will rely heavily on All-GLIAC First Teamer Briauna Taylor. The senior guard led the team in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals last season en route to 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game averages.
“Bri is a well-rounded player,” Burgess said. “She is unique because she is so strong when it comes to rebounding and finishing at the basket.”
Taylor’s ability to get to the hoop complements her ability to shoot from behind the arc. She shot more than 35 percent from 3-point range last season.
“The coaches say I’m a combo guard,” Taylor said. “My ability to shoot and drive forces the defender to play me true, they can’t cheat.”
Taylor’s roommate will also play a huge role for the Lakers.
Senior Alex Stelfox rejoins the Lakers after missing 12 games last season due to injury. Her 93 blocked shots rank as the fifth most in school history, and the 6-2 center should provide a low-post presence on both ends of the court.
“I’m really excited to have her back,” Taylor said. “I can’t wait to drive and dish the ball down low.”
Stelfox was named to the Preseason All-GLIAC North Division first team, along with senior guard Lauren Stodola (Jenison, Mich.) who was named to the second team.
Stodola also suffered a significant injury last season, and was limited to only eight games. She averaged 8.3 points per game last year, and will be a big part of the balanced attack.
Taylor, Stelfox and Stodola are the lone seniors on the roster this season, and will be looked upon to lead a team that welcomes six new players, two transfers and four freshmen.
“There’s a lot of new faces out there,” Taylor said. “But if we come out and play hard as a team, we should be successful. I saw some double-teams last year, but I don’t expect to see that as often.”
The Lakers were ranked third in the GLIAC North Preseason Poll, and in order to make a run for the conference title, they will need to play as one cohesive unit.
“We’ve lacked synergy in years past,” Stelfox said. “When we face adversity on the court, we need to stick together and stay positive. We want that GLIAC championship, and we’re not leaving without it.”
The Lakers open the season at home versus Olivet on Nov. 12 at 8 p.m.
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
Upcoming Events
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
8:00 am | MBA Information Meeting: AM session
10:00 am | SAP Farm Stand
5:30 pm | MBA Information Meeting: PM Session
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
7:30 am | GVSU Downtown Toastmasters
11:00 am | GVSU Track & Field at NCAA Championships
5:30 pm | MBA Information Meeting: Holland
7:00 pm | Failure Lab
All day | GVSU Men's Golf at NCAA Div II Championship
11:00 am | GVSU Track & Field at NCAA Championships
No events for Sat
No events for Sun
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In Housing / Roommates
- We have a cute condo in need of 2-3 renters for the next school year. Barkwood condominiums ...
In Housing / Roommates
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In Housing / Roommates
- Subleaser need in Campus View this Summer. Can move in any day. Rent is 335 a month. Contact ...
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