The Northern Michigan Wildcats women’s lacrosse team lost a narrow 9-8 contest to Grand Valley State University on April 12 in Marquette, Michigan. The game marked senior day for the Wildcats and featured several lead changes before Grand Valley secured the win late in the fourth quarter.
This result matters for both teams as they compete in NCAA Division II play within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, according to the official website. The loss brings NMU’s record to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while Grand Valley remains undefeated at 6-0 in conference action.
The Wildcats trailed by three goals at halftime but surged ahead with a five-goal run during the third quarter. Josie Lakosky led NMU with five goals and an assist, surpassing Minnie Bittell’s single-season goal record by reaching her 73rd of the year. Avery Lorinser added two goals, and Vanessa Carrico contributed one. Goalkeeper Lauren Esposito made six saves, bringing her career total to 298—just two shy of becoming only the second Wildcat with over 300 collegiate saves.
Despite their efforts, NMU was unable to maintain its lead as Grand Valley scored three unanswered goals in the final frame. A potential game-tying goal from Lorinser was disallowed due to a dangerous contact call that also resulted in a yellow card against NMU. This gave possession and a man-up advantage to Grand Valley for most of the remaining time.
Grand Valley’s Sarah Krause made twelve saves and limited Lakosky’s effectiveness on free position shots. Ella Boose led GVSU with four goals while Delaney Smith recorded four points through one goal and three assists.
Northern Michigan Wildcats Women’s Lacrosse participates in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics as part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference out of Marquette, Michigan, under head coach Lindsey Majkrzak according to their official website (https://nmuwildcats.com/sports/womens-lacrosse). Student-athletes such as redshirt senior Emily Radke returned for this season’s roster.
Looking ahead, NMU will finish its regular season with three road games starting April 19 against Saginaw Valley State University.
