The NMU lacrosse team continues to build momentum as the regular season winds down, powered by a performance that felt both dominant and historic. At the center of it all was Josie Lakosky, whose extraordinary weekend has become the defining storyline of the Wildcats’ 16-7 victory over the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears inside the Superior Dome.
Lakosky delivered one of the most complete individual efforts in program history, finishing with eight goals and three assists for 11 total points. It was the kind of stat line that demands attention on its own, but her influence extended far beyond scoring. She controlled possession with a career-best 10 draw controls, disrupted the opposition with three forced turnovers and added three ground balls in a performance that showcased her command of every phase of the game.
From the opening draw, Lakosky set the tone. She scored twice during NMU’s early 3-0 run, then added a third goal within the first quarter to quickly put the Golden Bears on their heels. Her relentless pace and precision never allowed Concordia-St. Paul to settle, and by halftime, the Wildcats had built a comfortable cushion behind her continued offensive surge.
This outing marked the fourth time this season Lakosky has scored eight goals in a game, and notably, three of those performances have also reached the 11 point mark. Even more impressive is her consistency. She has recorded at least three goals or three points in all but one contest this season, establishing herself not just as a standout, but as one of the most reliable offensive forces in the country.
Her impact is also reflected on the national stage. Lakosky currently leads the nation in points per game at 7.00 and sits near the top in nearly every major offensive category, including total points, goals per game and shots on goal per game. Those numbers, combined with her latest performance, earned her both the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association National Offensive Player of the Week honor and her third Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week recognition this season.
While Lakosky’s brilliance headlined the win, the Wildcats showed impressive depth. Vanessa Carrico added two goals, while Hannah Jabas and Avery Lorinser each contributed a goal and an assist. Defensively, Sophie Langsdale anchored a disruptive unit with five caused turnovers, supported by strong efforts from Natalie Thomas and Payton Ross. In net, Lauren Espostio recorded seven saves to secure her seventh win of the season.
As a team, NMU controlled nearly every statistical category, including shots, draw controls, and caused turnovers, reinforcing just how complete the performance was. The victory pushed the Wildcats to 9-3 overall, marking the second-fastest start to nine wins in program history.
With key home matchups against Davenport and Grand Valley State on the horizon, the Wildcats appear to be peaking at the right time. And as long as Lakosky continues her remarkable run, NMU will remain a team no opponent can comfortably contain.
