The Northern Michigan University women’s lacrosse team opened its 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, rolling to a pair of 20-goal performances inside the Superior Dome and improving to 2-0 on the young season. Behind a record-breaking weekend from junior captain Josie Lakosky, the Wildcats overwhelmed Calvin 20-10 before cruising past Northwood 20-4.
Lakosky, the reigning GLIAC Attacker of the Year, wasted no time setting the tone. In Friday’s season opener against Calvin University, she poured in a career-high eight goals and added three assists for 11 points — the highest single-game goal and point total in Division II this season at the time.
“First game of the season, you don’t really have to do a lot to motivate them,” head coach Lindsey Majkrzak said. “Usually they show up ready. Offensively, we definitely had that. We dominated draw controls, which is great because that’s the middle of the field and it creates offense pretty effectively. And yeah, Josie scored eight goals, which is pretty awesome. Great start.”
After trading early goals with the Knights, NMU erupted for six straight scores in the second quarter to seize control. The Wildcats eventually built a double-digit lead in the fourth, allowing Majkrzak to rotate in younger players and celebrate several first collegiate goals.
Two days later against Northwood University, NMU’s offense was even more relentless. The Wildcats jumped out to a nine-goal first-quarter advantage and never looked back in a 20-4 rout. Lakosky followed her historic opener with seven goals and two assists, finishing the weekend with 15 goals and five assists for 20 total points, numbers that earned her GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
While the offense looked in mid-season form, Majkrzak believes there is still room for growth — particularly on the defensive end.
“I was really impressed with the way we played offensively in both games,” she said. “But I was really disappointed with our defense against Calvin. Allowing 10 goals isn’t something we’re going to be able to consistently do and win games.”
NMU tightened up against Northwood, but Majkrzak emphasized that intensity and execution must remain sharp regardless of the score.
“We need to play our game the whole time,” she said. “We only get 17 games, and we’re going to be playing top competition in the country soon. You can’t slow down because it will hurt us in two weeks when we go to Colorado.”
With two more home games ahead, including a Thursday matchup against McKendree University, the Wildcats have a prime opportunity to refine their defensive identity before spring break. NMU’s ceiling is high, and with Lakosky already in midseason form, the Wildcats’ attack is as dangerous as ever.
