MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan women's lacrosse team kept pace from start to finish to defeat the McKendree Bearcats 17-5, capping off the triple-header weekend going 2-1. 

The 'Cats controlled play from the start, out-scoring the Bearcats 7-1 in the first quarter and 4-1 in the second to hold an 11-2 lead going into halftime, outshooting the Bearcats 20-7 in the first half. The 'Cats would go on to outshoot the Bearcats 31-18, pick up 13 more ground balls with 28, turn over 10 fewer times, and cause 11 turnovers to four. The Wildcats were 18-18 on clear attempts and had 13 draw controls overall to dominate the Bearcats. 

Freshman Josie Lakosky (5g, 1a, 6pts) and senior Minnie Bittell (3g, 3a, 6pts) were the point leaders with six points each, with Lakosky and Bittell having the lone hat tricks in the game. Bittell led the 'Cats with four ground balls, followed by Dayna Carlson and Clara Johnson with three each, and the trio of Kaitlyn Bridger, Norah Bates, and Johnson each had two caused turnovers. 

Lauren Esposito played the first three quarters, making four saves and posting a .444 SV%. Brigid Fornek took over in the final frame and stopped all four shots on target.

The Wildcats now improve to 5-1 overall, and the Bearcats fall to 0-3.

How It Happened 
Carlson caused a turnover in the beginning minutes to send the ball down the field for the opening goal from Lakosky. Bridger caused a turnover in the midfield to speed past the defenders for her first goal of the game. Carlson buried a shot in the back of the net to close out the first quarter. 

Bittell began the scoring in the second quarter with a free-position goal and then assisted Lakosky a minute later. The 'Cats had two more goals to end the half and held the Bearcats to just two goals overall in the half. 

Freshman Avery Lorinser pushed the Wildcats into running time at the start of the second half with a clean shot past the goalkeeper. Sophomore Isabella Detienne landed a shot in the net with an assist from Bittell. The Bearcats would go on to score three to bring the deficit back to 10 goals. 

Lakosky scored off of her own rebound to reach five goals in the afternoon, followed by freshman Payton Ross who ripped a free position shot to score her first of the game. Senior goalkeeper Brigid Fornek made four crucial saves in the final quarter to end the game 17-5. 

Up Next 
The Wildcats have a week off from games before hitting the road to play Rockhurst on Monday, March 4th at 6 PM. That game starts a five-game road stint, with three in Missouri during the week of spring break.