The NMU women’s lacrosse team experienced frustration and resilience over a two-game GLIAC stretch this past weekend, falling on the road before bouncing back in emphatic fashion to close the trip.
On Friday in Allendale, the Catpack (7-3, 1-1 GLIAC) were shown up by a disciplined Grand Valley State squad in a 9-4 defeat. Despite a strong individual performance from Avery Lorinser, Northern just could not generate consistent offensive pressure against a Lakers defense that set the tone early and would refuse to let up.
The opening quarter established the defensive identity of the entire game. NMU goalkeeper Lauren Esposito recorded three solid stops early on to keep things within reach, but GVSU was capitalizing on transitions, and the Cats were left in the kennel. Ella Boose broke through first for the evil empire that is Grand Valley, scoring twice in quick succession before eventually completing a first quarter hat trick. Lorinser briefly halted the momentum with a late goal, but NMU still trailed 3-1 after the first 15 minutes.
The Lakers extended their lead to 5-1 by halftime, taking advantage of limited Wildcat opportunities. Northern managed just two shots on target in the opening quarter, a reflection of the intense pressure applied by the GVSU back line.
The Wildcats showed signs of life coming out of the break with Anessa Carrico opening the second-half scoring off a feed from Lorinser, with Lorinser following up her party trick with a second goal to trim the deficit to two. However, each NMU push was met with an even uglier GVSU shove. Boose let loose — answering the Catpack once again, stretching the lead back to four.
Lorinser completed her hat trick late in the third quarter on a free-position attempt, narrowing the gap to 7-4 heading into the final period. Still, the comeback effort stalled in the fourth as Grand Valley added two more goals to seal the outcome. Two days later in Grand Rapids, the Wildcats (8-3, 2-1 GLIAC) responded with authority, using an absolutely dominant second half to secure a 14-6 victory over Davenport.
After a tightly contested first half that saw the teams deadlocked early and NMU holding a narrow 6-4 advantage at the break, Northern took full control after halftime. The Wildcats outscored the Panthers 8-2 in the second half, including a decisive 6-0 run that completely broke the game open.
Josie Lakosky led the charge with a standout performance per usual, scoring seven goals while also contributing across the field with seven ground balls, five draw controls, and two caused turnovers. Lorinser added another hat trick, continuing her strong weekend, while Carrico chipped in two goals.
NMU’s glorious shift in momentum began at the draw circle. After Davenport controlled the early pace, NMU sauced up their fellow felines in the second quarter and ultimately won the draw control battle 13-10. That possession advantage translated directly to scoring opportunities, especially in the second half.
Esposito also played a crucial role in the turnaround, finishing with eight saves and a .571 save percentage. Her net presence allowed the Wildcats to weather early pressure like a snowmobile in a U.P. snowstorm, allowing the offense to chef up some sweet goal opportunities to cash-in on. Clean execution proved to be another difference-maker. Northern successfully cleared the ball on 25 of 26 attempts while forcing eight failed clears from Davenport, consistently putting the Panthers on the defensive.
With the split weekend, the Wildcats demonstrated both the challenges of conference play and their ability to dominate teams with animal mascots. They now return home with renewed momentum, set to host Concordia-St. Paul on April 4 as they continue their push through the GLIAC schedule.
