NMU Women’s Lacrosse came away with three big wins to kick their season off with a bang. The Wildcats won 16-13 over Missouri Western State last weekend. Following the tough win, the Wildcats took both of their home games with a statement win over Concordia Ann-Arbor with a score of 21-0.

Starting off with the win against Missouri Western, the ‘Cats were able to hold the team off after being up 14-5, fighting all the way to the end to win the game. The game was delayed because of the weather causing Missouri Western State to not be able to travel.

“We knew that they were going to be a physically aggressive team … Saturday was important because it showed that we can play a great game for three quarters,” Head Coach Lindsey Majkrzak said. “Ultimately, I thought they overcame those changes really well. And it really benefited that we did have to play Missouri Western first and perform immediately.”

Freshman goalie Hannah Melander played her first-ever game this past weekend and with the outstanding performances she displayed this weekend, Melander was awarded defensive player of the week in the GLIAC conference.

“Hannah did such a great job in her first collegiate game, and I knew she would she’s such a talented goalie. She’s solid. She’s calm. She doesn’t panic,” Majkrzak said. “S​she was able to step up and make some big free position shots.”

Another award was given out to a Wildcat this week: Maddi Bast was given the GLIAC attack player of the week. Bast had five goals in the games against Missouri Western State and two against Concordia Ann-Arbor.

“Maddi just seemed like her drop controls were really important and that she even when she wasn’t winning them. She could place them to people that would win them,” Majkrzak said.

Moving onto the Sunday game against Concordia Ann-Arbor, the ‘Cats shut the team out 21-0 with many players scoring multiple goals. Sophomore attacker Taylor Priestley had two goals, and one assist during the Sunday game. Along with Junior attacker Clara Johnson who with her two goals, also had one assist. Junior midfielder Minnie Bittell had four goals and two assists.

The Wildcat’s will now be on the road for their next 11 out of 12 games. The Wildcats first road game of the season was also a success against Lewis on Friday, March 3 as midfielder Kaitlyn Bridger led the team with four points in the 15-8 win over Lewis giving the ‘Cats a 3-0 start to the season.

On Sunday, March 5 the team will face off against Quincy.

“This year Quincy made a big jump. Quincy has a lot of talent,” Majkrzak said. “We really need to show up and prove that we can execute in that game and take care of business. We’re on the road for eight days, we need to start chipping away and taking each one seriously.”