GV names new softball coach

For the first time since 1990, the Grand Valley State University softball program has a new head coach.

GVSU replaced 38-year employee and 24-year head coach Doug ‘Doc’ Woods, who recently retired, with top assistant Dana Callihan on May 30.

Callihan has been a part of the Laker program for 17 seasons (four as a player and 13 as a coach). Since she joined the team in 2002, the Lakers have posted a 473-197-1 record, which is good enough for a .706 winning percentage.

GVSU racked up 574 wins and four GLIAC titles in that span, and made nine trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Callihan was a part of the NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2011, and is a member of both the NFCA and Alliance of Women Coaches (AWC).

Lakers claim first MCLA crown

Winning a national championship is sweet. Winning a national championship is even sweeter when it involves revenge.

The Grand Valley State University men’s club lacrosse team topped St. John’s University 12-11 to win the 2014 MCLA Division II national championship on May 17 in Irvine, Calif.

The victory had multiple layers as SJU defeated GVSU 10-8 in the 2013 title bout. GVSU freshman goalie Kyrn Stoddard made a decisive save as time ran down to seal the win for the Lakers.

GVSU junior midfielder Charlie Farmer took home the 2014 MCLA Division II “Godekeraw” Award, the highest MCLA honor given to a player who represents overall performance on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Senior named national player of the year

One of the most feared hitters in Grand Valley State University baseball history added two more “firsts” to his long list of career accomplishments.

First baseman Giancarlo Brugnoni became the first-ever GVSU player to be named the Ron Lenz National Player of the Year by Daktronics on May 23 after one of the best offensive seasons in program history.

His 17 home runs and 70 RBIs are the second-most in GVSU single-season history. He led the GLIAC in both statistical categories, as well as total bases, walks, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

He was the first-ever Daktronics First Team All-America player from GVSU (along with junior outfielder Jamie Potts), and earned a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings All-American First Team.

He is also a finalist for the Tino Martinez Award (best NCAA Division II player).

Golfers earn postseason plaudits

After tying the program record for team victories in a single season with seven, the members of the Grand Valley State University women’s golf team raked in a number of postseason accolades.

Junior standout Kelly Hartigan, who tied the GVSU record for single-season victories (seven) and career wins (11), was named the GLIAC Women’s Golf Athlete of the Year for the second straight year.

Hartigan also became the fourth GVSU player to earn one of the 10 spots on the WGCA All-America First Team.

Senior Veronica Ryan joined Hartigan on the WGCA All-East Region Team after notching four top-five finishes this season, while the duo and sophomore Gabrielle Shipley each earned a spot on the All-GLIAC First Team.