The Northern Michigan women’s lacrosse team wrapped up a demanding Colorado road swing on Thursday, falling 14–6 to #16/17 Regis after playing three games in four days at high elevation.
The Wildcats (5–2) opened the game with early control, but the Rangers (2–2) took advantage of their opportunities and paced out timely scoring to keep the Wildcats on the backburner – their goalie, Brigit Goetsch, also stood on her head to keep the Catpack attack at bay.
The Green and Gold couldn’t have asked for a better start. Senior attacker Josie Lakosky struck just 40 seconds into the contest to give the Wildcats a quick 1–0 lead. NMU dominated the draw circle early, winning five consecutive draw controls to fuel a 3–1 advantage. Hannah Jabas and Hannah Grimm each added early goals as the Wildcats controlled possession.
Despite that early momentum, Regis turned the tide by capitalizing on Wildcat turnovers. While NMU held a 9–1 draw control advantage in the opening quarter, the Rangers strung together a four-goal run to close the frame and claim a 5–3 lead. The ‘Cats grit their teeth and displayed resiliency early in the second quarter. Emily Radke scooped up a ground ball and raced the length of the field for a highlight-reel goal that snapped the Regis scoring run and brought NMU within one.
Defensively, the Wildcats had strong moments as well. Natalie Thomas and Krista Pascavis helped generate key stops, while goaltender Lauren Esposito made several crucial saves, including multiple stops on free-position attempts. Despite solid defensive sequences and several offensive chances to tie the game, the Wildcats were unable to convert. Regis seized the momentum late in the half, scoring six of the final seven goals before the break—including a buzzer-beater—to extend the lead and take control of the contest.
One of the Wildcats’ main concerns coming into the game was draw control, but that area proved to be a strength. NMU dominated the circle, out-drawing the Rangers 17–3 on the afternoon. However, the possession advantage didn’t translate into consistent offense. The Wildcats finished nearly even in total shot attempts, 29–26, but Regis goalkeeper Brigit Goetsch delivered a standout performance. The reigning RMAC Defensive Player of the Week recorded 15 saves and posted an impressive .714 save percentage, repeatedly turning away NMU scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, turnovers proved costly for Northern Michigan, which committed 16 compared to just eight by Regis. Lakosky led the Wildcats offensively, recording a hat trick and adding an assist for four total points. She also controlled eight draws and collected two ground balls while putting 12 shots on goal, matching a career high. Radke, Grimm, and Jabas each added a goal in the effort. Lakosky completed her hat trick with just 46 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, but by that point the Rangers had built a comfortable lead.
After a physically demanding week that included games against Colorado Mesa, UCCS, and Regis, the Wildcats will now look to regroup before another challenging road trip. Northern Michigan returns to action next weekend with matchups against Ashland on March 13 and #3/5 Indianapolis on March 15 as the Wildcats close out their non-conference schedule.
