MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University lacrosse team is ready to take on the Concordia St. Paul Golden Bears in the 2023 GLIAC Women's Lacrosse Tournament. Hosted by Grand Valley State, the tournament will run from April 28-April 30 in Allendale, Michigan.

The Wildcats finished the 2023 regular season with a program best 10-6 overall record and 4-2 conference record to finish second in the GLIAC. The Golden Bears finished third in the conference with a 6-9 overall record and a 2-4 conference record.

Historically, the Golden Bears hold an edge over the Wildcats 7-5, but more recently the series has shifted into the favor of the Wildcats, as the Green and Gold have won five of its last six contests against CSP including the season series sweep this year.


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Friday, April 28 - vs Concordia St.Paul at 3 p.m.
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Last Time Out
The Wildcats hosted its final two regular season matchups before postseason play began, going 1-1 against GLIAC opponents Davenport and Grand Valley State.

Locked in an 8-8 tie in the fourth quarter against Davenport on Friday, the Wildcats picked up the offense and put down the clamps on defense, scoring the final five goals of the contest for a 13-8 victory. The 'Cats improved to 10-5 on the season, setting a new benchmark for most wins in program history. Kaitlyn Bridger led the offensive attack with a hat trick while Danielle Key, Kate Mongold, and Maddi Bast each scored twice. Hannah Melander was stellar in net, stopping 9/17 shots sent her way for a .529 SV%. 

The Wildcats then took on the Grand Valley State University Lakers on Sunday, falling by a score of 23-10. Kaitlyn Bridger led in goals with three and Maddi Bast was right behind with two. Minnie Bittell had three assists, which was the most for the Wildcats. Hannah Melander was able to make seven saves against the Lakers.

Against Concordia St. Paul This Season
The Wildcats swept the season series against the Golden Bears, outscoring the opposition by a combined 24-18 in two games. 

Minnie Bittell leads the 'Cats with seven goals and eight points in the two games against the Golden Bears this season, followed by Kaitlyn Bridger with five goals and seven points. Hannah Melander started between the pipes for both games, posting 16 saves and a .470 SV%. 

Lauren Sheets has been the best player for CSP in those two games, posting seven goals and 10 points. Candace McDole started both games for the Golden Bears, posting 24 saves and a .500 SV%. 

A Look at Concordia St. Paul
Lauren Sheets leads the Golden Bears in goals (43) and points (52). Sara Kaiser is second in goals (22) and third in points (25). Candace McDole is projected to start for the Golden Bears, and she holds a .457 SV% and a 13.50 GAA. The Golden Bears lead the GLIAC in SOG% (79.0%), ground balls (288), caused turnovers (144), and SV% (46.6%). 


Cat Nips

• Minnie Bittell paces the 'Cats in goals (45), assists (14), points (59), shots (97), SOG (75), GWG (3), free position goals (16), and draw controls (74). Across the GLIAC, her 16 FPGs and 96 shots are first, and her 45 goals and 59 points are third. 
• Kaitlyn Bridger is second on the team with 48 points, registering the team's second-most goals with 37 along with 11 assists. 
• Maddi Bast is third on the team with 37 points. She is second in free position goals (12), third on the team in goals (33)  third in draw controls (34). Her 12 FPGs are good for T3 across the GLIAC. 
• Hannah Melander has been stout in the net for the 'Cats, as across the GLIAC she is second in GAA (11.82), third in saves (130) and save percentage (43.0%),  and fourth in goals against (172). 
• As a team, the Wildcats are first in FPGs (41), second in total goals (207), assists (74), GPG (12.94), shots (486), shots on goal (349), goals allowed (179), and GAA (13.30).

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

April 3
Hannah Melander - Defensive Player of the Week

GLIAC Tournament Schedule

Semifinals - Friday, April 28
Game 1 - No. 2 Northern Michigan vs. No. 3 Concordia-St. Paul, 12 p.m.     
Game 2 - No. 1 Grand Valley State vs. No. 4 Davenport, 3 p.m.     

Championship - Sunday, April 30
Game 3 - Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2, 12 p.m.