The NMU lacrosse team continued their season last Saturday as they beat the University of Michigan-Dearborn before losing in overtime to Saginaw Valley State.

“They were two great games,” NMU coach Mike Ambrozy said. “I have to take my hat off to both teams we played and to our team. We really gave a great effort and played well in both games.”

Northern (1-1 Central Collegiate Lacrosse Conference, 2-2 overall) beat UM-Dearborn (0-2 CCLA, 1-2 overall) by a score of 12-7 in the early game on Saturday. The ‘Cats entered the 4th quarter holding onto a 7-6 lead, but used a late game offensive flurry to score four goals to extend their lead and down the Wolves.

Northern was led in scoring in the first game by senior Kyle Pepich who found the net four times in the contest. Freshman Connor Fox added three goals as well. NMU freshman goaltender Kevin Sande stopped 33 of the 40 shots he faced in the game for a .825 save percentage.

In the second game of the day against Saginaw Valley (2-0 CCLA, 2-1 overall) the ‘Cats fortunes were reversed as they entered the 4th quarter with a four point lead but couldn’t hold on as the Cardinals scored the final six points to force overtime where they downed the Wildcats.

Senior Todd Zimmerman scored seven goals and added two assists for nine points in the game. Fox added two goals and four assists for NMU as well. Sande did not fare as well in the late game, as he allowed 18 of the 48 shots he faced into the goal.

“We just got rattled,” Ambrozy said. “It’s a learning experience for us. We have a young team this year and every game gives us more experience.”

The ‘Cats are currently in third place in the North Division of the CCLA.

The Lacrosse team is back in action on April 5, when they take on Calvin College (0-1 overall, 0-1 CCLA).