GVSU Lacrosse Team Picks Up Opponents After Travel Breakdown

A broken-down bus nearly canceled the match, until GVSU players personally picked up NDSU to make sure the game happened.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college lacrosse match, with sharp, overlapping planes of bright green, navy blue, and gold representing the players and action on the field.A display of sportsmanship and teamwork between rival college lacrosse teams, as GVSU players personally transported the stranded NDSU team to ensure their match could be played.Allendale Today

The Grand Valley State University Men's lacrosse team recently had a match against the North Dakota State University Bison. NDSU's bus broke down on its way to Allendale, Michigan, and rather than reschedule or forfeit, the Lakers decided to have each student-athlete drive their personal vehicles to pick up the stranded NDSU players so the match could go on.

Why it matters

This display of sportsmanship and teamwork between opposing college lacrosse teams is an inspiring example of how D2 sports can bring out the best in student-athletes, fostering camaraderie and goodwill even between competitors.

The details

When NDSU's bus broke down, GVSU Coach Tim Murray gathered his players and had them all drive their individual vehicles to the location where the NDSU team was stranded. The GVSU players then drove the NDSU players back to the location of the broken-down bus to retrieve their gear before everyone returned to campus for the match.

  • On March 29th, the GVSU vs. NDSU lacrosse match took place.
  • The bus breakdown occurred on the way to the match in Allendale, Michigan.

The players

Bryce Gordon

A player for the GVSU lacrosse team who scored 7 goals in the match against NDSU.

Tim Murray

The head coach of the GVSU men's lacrosse team who organized the effort to pick up the stranded NDSU players.

North Dakota State University Bison

The opposing team whose bus broke down on the way to the match against GVSU.

Grand Valley State University Lakers

The home team who stepped up to ensure the match could still be played by personally transporting the opposing NDSU players.

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What they’re saying

“While opponents on the field barely interact beyond the 4 quarters of gameplay, the Bison went above and beyond, selflessly inviting their opponents into their personal vehicles...before showing why bison nearly went extinct.”

— Tommy McNeill, Author

What’s next

The win improved the Lakers' record to 4-2. Their next game is against the Central Michigan Chippewas on April 3rd.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of sportsmanship and teamwork, even between rival college lacrosse programs. It's a shining example of how D2 sports can bring out the best in student-athletes and foster a sense of community and camaraderie that transcends the field of play.