ALLENDALE, Mich. — Following their season-ending loss in the NCAA tournament last year to Ashland, some of the players on the GVSU women’s basketball team were expecting to hear it from head coach Mike Williams after the game. Instead, he surprised them.
“We said, ‘Hey feel good about the season you had,” Williams recalled.
That might have been easier said than done. In last year’s shortened season, the Lakers started 13-1 but wound up losing five of their last six games to finish 14-6. Still, coach’s kindness left an impression.
“I think it just kind of motivated us for this year, where it’s just like, we can do a lot better than that and we just want to prove that,” said freshman Ellie Droste.
It goes without saying they have. After picking up a loss to Saginaw Valley State back in December, they’ve reeled off 18 straight wins and are the clear team to beat in the upcoming GLIAC tournament.
“I think we have been a little bit more consistent this year,” said Williams. “I think our defense has gotten better and I think offensively we’ve taken another step forward.”
A few weeks ago after beating Ferris State, Williams indicated he didn’t think his team could get any better. Now however, as they approach the end of the season, he’s changed his tune.
“I think we can take a little step forward now. I have seen some things in practice, players have stepped up.”
The Lakers (23-1, 16-1 GLIAC) have two games left in the regular season. Ironically the final one is against the Cardinals, the only team they’ve lost to in conference play.
“I think everyone is definitely ready,” Droste said. “It’s just a lot of momentum building up so we are really excited for it.”
The Saginaw Valley State game is coming up this Saturday on the road. First though, the Lakers play at Wayne State Thursday.
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