MARQUETTE, Mich. -  The Northern University lacrosse team starts a crucial stretch of games as its season winds down with two conference matchups against the Grand Valley State Lakers and the Davenport University Panthers. The 'Cats have five conference matchups in its final six games, making each game important for the GLIAC playoff standings. 

The Wildcats have an overall record of 6-4 and a 1-0 record in conference play. The Lakers are 5-4 overall with a 1-0 conference record, and the Panthers are 1-9 overall with a 0-1 conference record. 


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Friday, March 31 - at Grand Valley State at 5 p.m.
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Sunday, April 2 - at Davenport at 12 p.m.
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Last Time Out
The Green and Gold started their seven-game road trip with games against Walsh, Indianapolis, and McKendree over a four-day stretch, going 1-2 in those contests. 

The 'Cats began its seven-game road series with a 13-10 loss against Walsh University. Madi Bast led the Wildcats in goals with four and Melinda Maers of the Cavaliers matched it. Bast also led with seven shots on the goal while Johnson followed behind with three. 

The Wildcats then traveled to the University of Indianapolis where they fell short to the Greyhounds with a score of 18-5. Madi Bast, Minnie Bittell, Kaitlyn Bridger, Dayna Carlson, and Taylor Priestley each earned goals for the team. Bittell led in shots with three and Hannah Melander made a total of nine saves.

The team then traveled to McKendree University, its third and final pit stop of the road series, and the Wildcats were victorious against the Bearcats by a score of 16-13. Minnie Bittell scored the most goals this game with six and Kaitlyn Bridger followed close behind with five of her own. 


Cat Nips

• Minnie Bittell paces the 'Cats in points (33), goals (29), SOG (48), GWG (2), free position goals (12), caused turnovers (9), and draw controls (46). 
• Kaitlyn Bridger is second on the team with 29 points, registering 22 goals along with her team-leading seven assists. Bridger is also second on the team in GWG (1) and ground balls (14).
• Maddi Bast is third on the team with 26 points. She is second on the team in goals (25), SOG (42), free position goals (10), and third in draw controls (33). 
• Katelyn Mongold is fourth with 22 points, with 19 goals and three assists. 
• Among GLIAC athletes, Minnie Bittell is first in FPG (12), second in goals (29), points (33), and draw controls (46), Madi Bast is second in FPG (10), third in goals (25), and Hannah Melander is first in GAA (12.36), second in saves (81), and third in save percentage (41.1%).
• As a team, the Wildcats are first in total goals (131), FPG (30), draw controls (154), shots (316), and second in goals per game (13.1).

GLIAC Honors
February 27
Maddi Bast - Offensive Player of the Week
Hannah Melander - Defensive Player of the Week

March 20
Minnie Bittell - Offensive Player of the Week
Lauryn Rygiel - Defensive Player of the Week


A Look at Grand Valley
The Lakers sit right behind the Wildcats in the GLIAC standings, most recently coming off a 17-10 conference win against Concordia St. Paul. Molly Bursinger led the way for the lakers, recording five goals and two assists for seven points, followed by Hailey Crittenden with three goals and two assists for five points. 

Seniors Molly Bursinger, Kate DeYoung, and Maggie Hammer lead the Lakers in goals with 21 each, with Bursinger, DeYoung, and Maddy Champagne pacing GVSU in points with 30 each. All three goalkeepers for the Lakers have split time in the net this season, posting a team 11.00 GAA and a 35.7 SV%

A Look at Davenport
The Panthers are currently on a four-game skid, being outscored by opponents 68-36 in that time frame. Most recently, the Panthers dropped a contest to conference opponent Concordia St. Paul 14-15, despite being ahead 10-4 going into the third quarter. Christine Steffes led the way for the panthers with four goals. 

Blakely Malpass comfortably leads Davenport in goals with 25 and points with 29. Maisy Latus has started and finished all 10 games for the Panthers in the net, posting a 13.40 GAA and a 46.4 SV%.