UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Davenport University women's soccer team is set for its eighth straight trip to the GLIAC Tournament, taking on No. 3 seed Saginaw Valley State on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. at Robert C. Braddock Field.
Since joining the GLIAC in 2017, Davenport has reached the GLIAC Tournament every year, establishing itself as a consistent postseason contender. The last time the Panthers and Cardinals met in the GLIAC Tournament was 2022, when Saginaw Valley earned a 2–1 double-overtime victory in the quarterfinal round.
The 2025 GLIAC Tournament features the top eight teams in the conference, with only Michigan Tech missing out on postseason play. Davenport earned the No. 6 seed, while Saginaw Valley enters as the No. 3 seed. The tournament is played in a single-elimination format, with quarterfinals taking place on Nov. 14, followed by the semifinals on Nov. 15 and the championship match on Nov. 16.
Davenport Outlook
True freshman Josie Wilcox leads the Panthers with 37 shots and 13 shots on goal, setting a team-high in both categories. While she is still seeking her first collegiate goal, Wilcox has helped create scoring opportunities for teammates, recording two assists earlier this season. Fellow true freshman Sofia Capoccia has added 19 shots (12 on goal) and leads the team with three goals, while sitting in a three-way tie for six points. Additional contributors include Megan Malek (21 shots, four points, two assists, one goal) and Madison Fant (17 shots, six points, two assists, two goals).
In goal, Elizabeth Wolter and Bailey Gauthier have provided key minutes. Gauthier has logged 631 minutes, posting a 1.99 goals-against average, making 30 saves on 86 shots, and allowing 14 goals. Wolter has played 988 minutes, facing 181 shots, recording 64 saves, and allowing 12 goals for a 1.09 goals-against average.
The Panthers enter the postseason with a 4-11-3 overall record and 4-9-1 in GLIAC play.
Scouting Saginaw Valley State
The Cardinals come in with an 11-5-2 overall record and a 9-4-1 mark in conference play. Last season, Saginaw Valley advanced to the GLIAC Championship match, defeating Grand Valley State 3–2 in penalty kicks in the semifinals before falling 3–0 to Northern Michigan in the final.
Leading the offense is senior midfielder Madi Bajis, who has tallied 12 goals, three assists, and 27 points on 57 shots, 26 of which were on goal. Bajis ranks first in the conference in shots, goals, and points, while also placing third in shots on goal and sixth in game-winning goals (3). Fellow contributor Lauryn Francassi has added six goals and 15 points on 21 shots, including 16 on goal.
In goal, Lainey Garbarz has logged 1,500 minutes, allowing 20 goals with a 1.20 goals-against average, recording 81 saves, and posting a 10-5-2 record.
Historically
The Panthers trail the all-time series against Saginaw Valley State, 4-10-2. The last Davenport victory came on Oct. 22, 2023, with a 4-0 win. During the 2024 season, Davenport tied SVSU twice, 1-1 and 0-0, before facing the Cardinals again in 2025.
This season, the Panthers will look to earn their first victory over Saginaw Valley State in 2025.
Live Coverage
Tuesday, Nov. 11 vs. Saginaw Valley St. (1 PM) - Live Video (FloSports)
