April 20, 2006

Allendale, Mich. - #12 Grand Valley State is ranked first in the first NCAA DII North Central Regional rankings that were released Wednesday. The Lakers, 31-8 overall and 15-3 in the GLIAC, hold a 19-4 North Central Regional record. GVSU, which is 16-2 in its last 18 games, will hit the road for a weekend doubleheader at Wayne State.

Grand Valley State, the three-time defending NCAA DII North Central Regional Champions, is one of four teams from the GLIAC ranked in the top eight in the NCAA North Central Regional. Ashland is third, followed by Mercyhurst (6th) and Findlay (8th). Northern Kentucky is number two, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville is fourth, Quincy is fifth and Rockhurst seventh.

1. Grand Valley State

2. Northern Kentucky

3. Ashland

4. SIU-Edwardsville

5. Quincy

6. Mercyhurst

7. Rockhurst

8. Findlay