MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan lacrosse team will open its 2023 season this weekend, with two opponents traveling north to visit the Superior Dome. NMU will play host Missouri Western State on Saturday, February 25 at 5 p.m. and Concordia-Ann Arbor on Monday, February 27 at noon.
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Follow @nmuwlax and @NMU_Wildcats on Twitter for continuous updates throughout the week.
Sunday, February 25 - vs. Missouri Western State at 5 p.m.
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Saturday, February 27 - vs. Concordia-Ann Arbor at noon
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Coach Majkrzak Preview
Preseason Poll
NMU was picked to finish tied for 2nd in the GLIAC Preseason Poll. With just four teams in the GLIAC, it will be a tight battle until the finish line.
2023 GLIAC Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll
1 Grand Valley State 9 (3)
2T Northern Michigan 6 (1)
2T Concordia St. Paul 6
4 Davenport 3
Team Breakdown
The Wildcats return 22 student-athletes and welcome eight newcomers, broken down into six seniors, six juniors, 13 sophomores, and five freshmen.
Head Coach
Lindsey (LeMay) Majkrzak returns for her fourth season at the helm for the 'Cats, and holds a record of 17-19 overall, and 7-9 against GLIAC opponents. The Wildcats also welcome a new Assistant Coach
Breann Wallrapp, and a new, albeit familiar face, in Volunteer Assistant Coach
Jessica Close.
Top Returners
As a sophomore,
Madeline Bittell was named to the First Team for the second consecutive season. After setting several NMU records two seasons ago, Bittell rewrote the record books for the Wildcats last season, setting a new benchmark for the program in goals (52), points (71), shots (124), and shots on goal (90). Bittell was also named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week once after an eight-goal and one-assist weekend leading the 'Cats to road wins over Concordia-St. Paul and Upper Iowa.
As a sophomore,
Lauryn Rygiel earned her second consecutive All-GLIAC First Team honors. Last season, Rygiel paced the Wildcats and the GLIAC with 29 caused turnovers. She was also second on the team with 27 ground balls. Rygiel added one goal and a pair of helpers this season.
As a freshman,
Maddi Bast landed on the Second Team after impressing in her first season in the Green and Gold. Bast was second on the team in goals (38), points (40), shots (90), and shots on goal (64). Bast also tied the team lead with two game-winners. She recorded a career-high five goals on two occasions in back-to-back games, helping lead NMU to road wins over Concordia-St. Paul and Upper Iowa.
Scouting Missouri Western State
The two sides matched up last year, with NMU pulling out a slim 14-12 victory.
Maddi Bast had a hat trick in the game.
In its second season of competition last year, the Griffons went 8-9 overall and 2-5 within the GLVC. The Griffons return its top two scorers from a season ago in junior Madison Brady (29G and 6A) and sophomore Sam Pruitt (27G and 8A). Brady had 4 goals and 2 assists against the 'Cats last season.
Scouting Concordia-Ann Arbor
Last season, the Cardinals accumulated a 6-10 overall record. Nicole Bordo (28G and 10A) and Taylor Nesbitt (25G and 13A) each recorded 38 points for CUAA last season and are the team's top returners.
