NKU’s Alex Armstrong (13)

WILDER, Ky. - Katy Tafler and Mirela Tutundzic each scored goals in the first half as Grand Valley State captured the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region title Sunday with a 2-0 win over Northern Kentucky University at the Town & Country Sports Complex.

Tafler began the scoring just 11 minutes into the game by blasting a 25-yard shot past NKU goalie Sam Westerling into the back of the net. It was the 25th goal of the season for Tafler.

Tutundzic gave Grand Valley State a 2-0 lead in the 29th minute by finishing off a pass from Jenny Swalec and scoring her 15th goal of the season. The second-seeded Lakers held a 5-3 lead in shot attempts at halftime.

Top-seeded NKU had several chances early in the game, but the Norse were unable to capitalize on the opportunities. Amy Law’s shot eight minutes into the contest was turned back by Grand Valley State goalie Kristina Nasturzio, and Law later hit the crossbar with another attempt that was cleared by the Laker defense.

NKU owned a 9-2 margin in shot attempts during the second half but could not find the net. Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year Kristen Votapek was closely marked by the Laker defense the entire afternoon and did not attempt a shot.

Votapek, a senior forward, entered Sunday’s game with 16 goals and 18 assists. Nasturzio turned back four NKU shots on the day and posted the shutout for Grand Valley State.

The Norse, who owned 15 consecutive victories entering the game, finished the season with a 19-3 record. NKU was also ranked No. 6 nationally in the Division II poll.

Two years ago, Grand Valley State defeated NKU, 1-0, at the Town & Country Sports Complex during the regular season. The Norse, however, avenged that loss by posting a 4-3 win over the Lakers in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Tournament at Allendale, Mich.

Grand Valley State (19-2) advances to the national quarterfinals next week against Central Region champion Nebraska-Omaha. The Lakers are ranked No. 12 nationally.

BOX SCORE

NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Tournament (at Wilder, Ky.)

Friday, Nov. 11

#1 Northern Kentucky 2, #4 Wheeling Jesuit 0

#2 Grand Valley State 1, #3 S. Illinois at Edwardsville 0

Sunday, Nov. 13

Grand Valley State 2, Northern Kentucky 0