MARQUETTE, Mich. — A rejuvinated offense behind new head coach Lindsey LeMay held things close with McKendree but were unable to overtake them in the second half and fell, 17-11, Saturday in the Superior Dome.

The women came out strong in the first half with seven goals and goalkeeper Cam Stilson posted seven saves to give the Wildcats the 7-6 lead heading to halftime.

Rookie Amber Hope led the team in goals through the first 30 minutes with her first career hat trick for the green and gold. Aleya Speas, Emily Renfrew, Ellie Bahr and Jessica Daniels also added to the goal tally for NMU.

The women opened the scoring with Hope recording the first Wildcat goal of the season just over two minutes in, assisted by Bahr.

NMU would record six more in the half while McKendree would answer with six of their own.

The Bearcats rolled out 11 goals in the second half as the Wildcats were only able to answer with four of their own for their first loss of the season.

UP NEXT

The women host Lewis University next Friday at 7 p.m. in the Superior Dome before a noon tilt with Quincy on February 23.