ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer team saw its postseason run come to an end Sunday afternoon, falling 1–0 to No. 6 Grand Valley State in the GLIAC Tournament Championship at the GVSU Soccer Field.

The Cardinals (13–6–2) survived 10 shots, three on goal, in the first half. After a scoreless 45 minutes, Grand Valley broke through in the 56th minute. Kendall Aikens finished from inside the box off a pass from Sonya Mehta, giving GVSU the 1–0 lead that would hold the rest of the way.

SVSU pushed forward in search of an equalizer and produced its best chance in the 81st minute when Lauryn Fracassi (Grandville, Mich. / Grandville HS) forced Grand Valley goalkeeper Macie Hunter into her only save of the match. The Cardinals finished with six total shots and earned one second-half corner kick, but the Lakers' defense held firm.

Lainey Garbarz (Pinckney, Mich. / Father Gabriel Richard HS) turned in another standout performance with six saves, including three in each half, helping keep SVSU within striking distance throughout. Grand Valley posted a 20–6 advantage in shots and a 9–1 edge in corner kicks.

Garbarz along with Gracie Cwik (Bartlett, Ill. / Bartlett HS) and Kaley Douglass (Williamston, Mich. / Williamston HS) were named to the All-GLIAC Tournament team.

Up Next: The loss concludes a strong 2025 campaign for the Cardinals, who finish 13–6–2, reached the GLIAC Championship match, and earned their most wins in a season since 2021 and the most for head coach Tyler Channell.