Grand Valley Wins Fifth Nationals

nationals-champ-2013Grand Valley was able to successfully win their fifth National Championship, their first since 2010, with a 3-0 win over Michigan State in the National Championship Game. Led by Mark Trippiedi (GVSU #8-C), the Lakers went 6-1 on the weekend. On Saturday, GV beat Northwestern State 7-0 and Miami (OH) 6-0, but were defeated by James Madison 2-1. The Lakers would earn the sixth seed on Sunday, playing #11 Bowling Green in the first round. GV took care of business 5-0 in that game, gaining the right to play #3 JMU once again. The Lakers got their revenge in a big way, with a 4-1 victory over the Dukes. This set up a showdown that everyone had been clamoring for all season, GVSU vs #2 Kentucky. With tons of UK fans in attendance, GVSU would win 4-1. The win ensured GVSU their 6th National Championship appearance in seven seasons, and they would play a team they’ve never lost to before: #5 Michigan State. The Championship Game was never really in doubt, as the Lakers rolled over the Spartans with a 3-0 win.

GVSU had four players named to the All Star Game: Mark Trippiedi (GVSU #8), Dylan Fettig (GVSU #24), Jeremy Stempky (GVSU #15), and Kevin Bailey (GVSU #4). Stempky would have to be replaced by Vince Baggett (GVSU #9) due to him not arriving until Sunday. The Lakers also had four first team All-Nationals players, led by MVP Mark Trippiedi. He was joined by Fettig, Stempky, and Bailey on the team.