GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Northern Michigan women's lacrosse team traveled to Grand Rapids, MI to face off against GLIAC rival the Davenport Panthers. 

Holding a two-goal lead heading into the final frame of a tightly contested match, the 'Cats broke ahead, as they scored three straight to take an 11-6 lead before tacking one on at the buzzer. 

The Wildcats' point leaders were senior Minnie Bittell  (3g, 2a, 5 pts) and freshman Josie Lakosky (3g, 2a, 5 pts). Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Esposito made six saves on the night for the 'Cats. Senior Kaitlyn Bridger had five ground balls, two caused turnovers, and one goal overall. 

With the win tonight, the 'Cats make it three straight victories with wins in seven of their last eight meetings and improve to 12-3 overall and 3-1 in GLIAC play ahead of facing no. 7/8 Grand Valley State on Sunday.

How it Happened 
Bittell opened up the scoring with a free-position shot to score her 60th of the season early in the game. Esposito made a crucial save in the final minutes of the first quarter to send the ball down for a goal by Lakosky. 

The scoring game remained slow into the second quarter with goals from Bittell, Bridger and Lakosky. Esposito held two saves in the first half to keep the 'Cats in a 6-4 lead. 

Lakosky scored her third goal of the game to begin the second half strong. The Panthers answered back quickly with a goal from the slot. Bittell also snuck in her third goal of the game to lengthen the Wildcat lead. The Panthers had a free-position goal called off from a goal circle violation but in the final seconds of the quarter had a successful free-position attempt. 

Freshman Avery Lorinser and sophomore Laine Stanton increased the 'Cats lead with a pair of goals to grab the momentum early in the fourth. Junior Camryn Mayer and sophomore Danielle Key closed out the scoring for the Wildcats leaving the final score 12-7. 


Up Next 
The Wildcats stay on the road to play the Grand Valley State University Lakers on Sunday, April 21st at 12 PM.