The third weekend in November provided a flurry of news in the Ferris sports world.
The volleyball team advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament to face Grand Valley State for the second time in one week. The Bulldogs were 2-1 against the Lakers this season coming into their NCAA tournament matchup, but Ferris was unable to fight back from an early deficit and lost 3-0 in Allendale on Nov. 21.
Ferris hockey came into a Friday night date with the 2-8-2 Alabama-Huntsville Chargers having won three of their last four games, including a 10-2 drubbing of Alaska-Anchorage the week before. The Bulldogs fell behind 3-1 in the third period, and were able to fight back to within a goal. In the final minute, Ferris was unable to convert on a powerplay with an extra attacker and lost 3-2 to the Chargers who improved to 3-8-2. Ferris fell to 6-6-0 with the loss.
The gridiron gang is enjoying a first round playoff bye, and received welcome news while on the break. 16 players received All-GLIAC honors, and three received Awards. Head coach Tony Annese was named the GLIAC coach of the year, having improved the team’s record from 6-5 in 2012 to 8-3 in 2013 and now to a perfect 11-0 in 2014. Senior offensive tackle Jacob VanderKlok was named the best offensive lineman in the GLIAC, and Jason Vander Laan received GLIAC Player of the Year.
Vander Laan also was named as a candidate for the 2014 Harlon Hill trophy, which is Division II’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, awarded yearly to the most outstanding player in the country.