Sept. 12, 2025, KENTWOOD, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College athletics had a strong Friday on the fields, with both soccer teams in conference action against Marian University-Ancilla and the softball team sweeping a tripleheader in fall ball play.

Men's Soccer

The Raiders' men's soccer team saw its two-game win streak snapped in a 4-1 loss to Ancilla, falling to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

Despite controlling the match from start to finish and outshooting the Chargers 33-8 (17-5 on goal), GRCC was unable to capitalize on its chances. Ancilla struck twice in the first half, scoring in the 18th and 45th minutes to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

The Raiders finally broke through in the 72nd minute when sophomore Brandon Gomez converted a penalty kick, his second goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Ancilla added its final tally four minutes later to secure the result.

GRCC will look to bounce back when it hosts Calvin University Club on Monday, September 15, at 2 p.m. at Midwest United FC.

Women's Soccer

The women's team earned its second shutout of the season with a dominant 3-0 win, snapping a two-game winless streak and improving to 3-2-1 overall and 1-1 in conference.

GRCC controlled possession throughout the match, finishing with 25 shots (13 on goal) while limiting Ancilla to just one late-game attempt.

The Raiders opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a defensive miscue led to an own goal, giving GRCC a 1-0 halftime advantage. In the second half, the Raiders scored twice in quick succession. Valerie Rosas netted her second goal of the season in the 48th minute off a corner from Hannah Pleiman, then turned provider a minute later, assisting freshman Ava White on her first collegiate goal.

GRCC also dominated the corner kick tally, finishing with 14 compared to none for Ancilla.

The Raiders return to action on Thursday, September 19, in a tough road test against No. 1-ranked Delta College.

Softball

GRCC softball continued its perfect fall ball campaign, improving to 5-0 after winning all three of its games Friday at Softball World in Muskegon.

The Raiders opened the day with a 13-0 win over Mott Community College, fueled by sophomore pitcher Kalani Stowe's no-hitter, which included eight strikeouts. Freshman first baseman Kianna Vork powered the offense with two home runs and a triple, while sophomores Lillian Klop and Libby VanFleet chipped in two hits apiece.

In game two, GRCC scored all three of its runs in the first inning en route to a 3-0 victory over Schoolcraft College. Sophomore hitters Natalee Beck and Grace Salley each recorded two hits, while freshman pitcher Megan Lillie tossed a one-hitter for the win.

The final game of the day was a nail-biter, with the Raiders edging Aquinas JV 5-4 on a walk-off home run from Vork — her third homer of the day. She also added another hit and a sacrifice fly, while Beck went 3-for-3 with a single, double, and triple. Freshman pitcher Tia Schone struck out nine over her complete-game victory.

GRCC continues its fall ball schedule on Thursday, September 18, hosting Cornerstone JV for a doubleheader at West Catholic High School. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. with game two to follow at 5 p.m.

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.