July 30, 2003

Grand Valley State had two individuals that were recognized nationally for their success on the field as well as the classroom. Pitcher Jennifer Mackson and short stop Kerri Jonas received Verizon Academic All-America honors for the 2002-2003 season. Mackson and Jonas also earned First Team Verizon Academic Regional honors along with First Team All-Region from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). The Lakers won the 2003 GLIAC Championship and finished with an overall record of 49-6 (.890), which marks the best winning percentage in school history.

Junior Jen Mackson, who earned second team honors, finished the year with a 28-4 record, an 0.60 ERA and nine saves on the mound. Mackson set the GVSU record for saves in a season and it is the third highest total in NCAA DII history. Jen's ERA is the second lowest single-season mark in GVSU history and her win total is second behind her 30 wins from a year ago. Mackson also tied the Laker record with 17 complete game shutouts, which she also set last season. Jen has also posted a 3.355 GPA in education during her three years at GVSU.

Jonas, Third Team Academic All-America, ends her career at GVSU ranking in the top 10 in several categories. Kerri ranks second in career assists with 442, and third in home runs (16) and walks (72). Jonas' .358 batting average for the year was the second highest on the team and she tied for the Laker league with seven home runs and 37 runs scored. Also, her 38 walks this season led the GLIAC and ranks second in a Laker single season. Kerri has earned a GPA of 3.648 while pursuing her degree in health science.