ALLENDALE, Mich. — Facing the No. 5 team in the nation, the Davenport University women's soccer team put together a gritty performance on Thursday night, ultimately falling 1-0 to Grand Valley State in Allendale. 

Both teams traded early opportunities in a tightly contested first half that ended scoreless. Davenport applied early pressure, generating four shots in the opening seven minutes, with one testing GVSU goalkeeper Macie Hunter. On the other end, Panther keeper Elizabeth Wolter stood tall, coming up with three key saves, including a crucial stop in the 42nd minute to keep the match even heading into halftime.

The second half saw the Lakers break through in the 65th minute when Kacy Lauer converted off a setup from Sophia Morgan and Mackenzie Ford. Davenport continued to battle, creating looks from Natalie Vance and Josie Wilcox, but couldn't find the equalizer as Grand Valley held on for the narrow win.

Wolter anchored the defense with five total saves on 20 shots faced, splitting her stops between both halves. Offensively, Wilcox led Davenport with four shots, while Sofia Capoccia and Madelyn Schamanek each placed one on target.

For Grand Valley, Lauer's goal stood as the difference-maker. Hunter completed the shutout with four saves across 90 minutes, securing the clean sheet and the Lakers' 1-0 victory.

The Panthers will head into their final week of GLIAC play next week with their last home contest of the 2025 season, Thursday at 2 p.m. vs. Saginaw Valley State before traveling to Kenosha to face Parkside Nov. 8.