Bethel took control of the Great Lakes men' D2 conference with a convincing 56-20 defeat of Grand Valley State.

An early yellow card to Grand Valley lock Jake Gite didn't help GVSU any and Bethel surged to a 22-0 lead.

Grand Valley clawed back a little bit in the second half, but injuries, including to captain and center Cory Smykowski, undercut what was already a tall order.

"Bethel was more fit and structured," said GVSU head coach John Mullet. "They are a very good team."

Bethel's loose play attack was very effective and the team's interplay between forwards and backs stressed the GVSU defense and allowed the Pilots to score quickly. With Nick Chevalier leading well and directing the show at flyhalf, players such as CJ Ikemefuna and Ethan Glasscock to run Grand Valley ragged.