Tiffin University (8-5, 6-2 GLIAC) battled throughout the game, overcame a late deficit, and put the game away in sudden death overtime, beating 9th-ranked Grand Valley State 16-15 to have the Lakers their first-ever GLIAC loss.
After the Lakers took a 4-3 lead at the 21:47 mark of the first half, the Dragons exploded for 5 straight goals, jumping ahead 8-4 with 14:28 left in the half.
In what became a running theme in the game, the Lakers responded, scoring 3 unanswered goals to get within one score. TU ended up leading at the half 9-8.
TU came out after the break with another furious run, scoring 4 straight goals to big their biggest lead at 13-8. But then the physical play turned against the Dragons, who were whistled for 8 of the game's 12 yellow cards. Using man advantages, the Lakers crept back into it, scoring 4 straight goals to once again climb to within 13-12.
With 17 minutes remaining, GV goalkeeper Sarah Zwilsky left the game with an injury after a collision behind the net. Backup goalkeeper Brianna DeMilia came in and kept her team in the game admirably, making 4 clutch saves while the Lakers scored 3 more goals to take a 15-14 lead with 6:00 left.
A free position shot by Emily Roussel tied the score at 15-15 with 2:15 to play. After winning the draw, the Dragons played for a final shot in regulation and appeared to score it with 1 second remaining on a free position shot by Roussel. But after a lengthy deliberation, the goal was disallowed, sending the game to overtime.
The Dragons, disappointed with the decision, never let it slow them down, winning the draw again in overtime and scoring a brilliant goal from Tori Nelson off a sharp pass from Roussel at the 1:55 mark of overtime.
TU's defense forced 17 Lakers' turnovers, while Grand Valley held a 34-27 shot advantage. The Lakers also converted just 7 of 13 free position shots while TU hit on 10 of 12 chances.
Roussel had 5 goals and 2 assists along with 5 draw controls and 3 ground balls. Tori Nelson also had 5 goals with 1 assist and 6 draw controls. Amanda Flotteron had 4 goals and 1 assist, Morgan Sherley had 2 goals and 1 assist, and Amie Morrison had an assist. Kat Schneeberger made 10 saves over 61 minutes.
