The NMU lacrosse team wrapped up its final road trip of the regular season with a pair of GLIAC losses to nationally ranked Grand Valley State and Davenport. Now sitting at 9-7, the Wildcats will take on Concordia-St. Paul at the Superior Dome, looking to continue their momentum.
NMU was shut out in the first half for the first time in six years, ultimately falling 11-4 to No. 22/15 Grand Valley State. The Lakers dominated early, taking an 8-0 halftime lead and outshooting the Wildcats 31-25 overall. NMU goals came from Maddi Bast, Taylor Priestley and two from Josie Lakosky, who led the team with 12 shots. Zoe Montgomery and Lauren Esposito split time in net, combining for 10 saves.
GVSU’s roaring offense would just prove to be too much for Northern to handle as the 8-0 lead heading into the locker room was a mountain they couldn’t scale. Despite the loss, NMU showed defensive resilience, forcing a season-high 14 caused turnovers and committing only 10 turnovers themselves. GVSU’s Kendra Swope recorded four goals and an assist, while goalkeepers Kaylyn Carter and Sarah Krause combined for 16 saves.
The Wildcats fell just short in a back-and-forth battle against Davenport, dropping a 11-9 decision. Lakosky had a standout performance, netting six goals on 14 shots and tying her season high for goals in a game. Emily Radke, Katelyn Wozney and Laine Stanton also contributed on the scoreboard. Esposito and Montgomery combined for seven saves in goal.
The Panthers ended their drought against Northern, avenging a five-game losing streak spanning several seasons. Northern’s downfall was yet another slow start to the game, as the Panthers’ 6-3 lead at half left the Cats in a rut they just barely failed to come back from. Davenport goalkeeper Zoe Cassell matched her career high with nine saves, and Theadora Krueger had a season-best five caused turnovers. NMU’s 17 turnovers were their third-highest mark of the season.
NMU recently welcomed the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals to their turf, only for the Cardinals themselves to be caught birdwatching as Priestley and the Cats ripped it up in their first game back home. After this staggering 20-0 blowout, Northern now looks forward to Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday as the team will try to close out the regular season with a scintillating win on Senior Day.
