| Box Score 3

Sept. 19, 2025, LANSING, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College athletics had a busy Friday with both cross country teams competing at the Lansing CC Invitational, while the women's soccer team faced the nation's top-ranked program and the men's soccer team took on an NCAA Division II opponent.

Women's Cross Country

The No. 24-ranked GRCC women's cross country team delivered another strong performance, placing third in a field of eight complete teams with 64 points. The Raiders finished as the top junior college program at the meet, ahead of No. 7-ranked host Lansing CC, and had the top two JUCO finishers.

Freshman Mackenzie Baldrica led the way with a personal-record time of 20:08 to finish third overall. Sophomore Gloria Gaston placed ninth in 20:54, and freshman Suzannah DiPiazza crossed 13th in 21:11. Freshman Vivian Idziak clocked a PR of 21:23 to place 16th, while freshman Leah Williams (29th, 22:39), freshman Binti Abdi (31st, 22:51 PR), and freshman Kadie Norman (46th, 24:09) rounded out the Raiders' scoring efforts.

Head coach Sharon Becker praised the team's unity and growth, saying, "This team has such strong work ethics. They are going to keep getting stronger and faster. I'm very proud of how this team comes together and respects and cares about each other. I'm looking forward to next week's meet to see if we can repeat as conference champions."

Men's Cross Country

The Raider men placed sixth among 11 complete teams, scoring 153 points in a deep field. GRCC was second among four junior college squads competing.

Sophomore Isaac Skinner paced the Raiders with a 21st-place finish in 27:25. Freshman Brady Morrow set a personal best of 28:25 to take 33rd, followed closely by sophomore Nate Fahey (40th, 29:14), sophomore John DiPiazza (41st, 29:16), and freshman Corey Jones (47th, 29:35). Freshman Raphael White also posted a PR at 32:47 (84th), and sophomore Sam Pugh finished 100th in 35:06.

Coach Rob Hyde said the team is moving in the right direction: "I'm very proud of our improvement. I feel like this meet was a positive step as we prepare for our conference meet next week to see how we truly stack up against the rest of our league."

Women's Soccer

GRCC women's soccer faced a daunting challenge against No. 1-ranked Delta College, the defending NJCAA Division II national champions, falling 8-0 on the road. Delta (5-0-1, 4-0 MCCAA) has not allowed a goal in its last 10 matches, including all six this season. The Raiders managed one shot on goal in the contest and dropped to 3-3-1 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

GRCC will look to bounce back at home on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m., when they host Muskegon Community College in a key conference matchup.

Men's Soccer

The Raider men's soccer team stepped out of conference play for a scrimmage against Davenport University's NCAA Division II varsity squad, falling 7-1. Sophomore Andy Mendez-Reyes provided GRCC's highlight with a spectacular goal from distance with 7:24 remaining in the first half.

The Raiders, now 3-2-1 on the season, return to official action on Tuesday, Sept. 24, traveling to Ohio to take on Lakeland Community College at noon.

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