A season of adapting

The Laker women's basketball team topped Ashland University, 70-67, January 17 before a silent crowd of cardboard cutouts, teammates and officials.

As COVID-19 nears its first anniversary, Laker student athletes continue to adapt to constantly changing safety protocols and challenges. View more photos via Exposure.

Mike Williams, head coach of women's basketball, said his players are making the most of practicing and playing games during a pandemic.

"They have been doing a nice job adapting," Williams said. "They are very thankful for all the people from our university leadership team, athletic administration and medical team for making it happen. 

"Being in athletics, you learn to deal with change and challenges, so this has all been part of it. Grand Valley has done a great job of making the process move along as smoothly as possible."

Williams said his players certainly miss the crowd noise, but when the ball is tossed for the opening tip, "You tend to forget some of that and you become engrossed in the game and just play basketball."

The Lakers have an 8-1 record and next play GLIAC rival Ferris State University on Saturday, February 6. The game will be carried on the Grand Valley Sports Network.