————————

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University women’s lacrosse team continued its dominant start to the season in the Superior Dome on Saturday afternoon, cruising past Wisconsin-La Crosse 18-8. It marked NMU’s third straight victory, each a win by double-digit goals.

The Wildcats wasted no time getting on the board, as Maddi Bast found the back of the net less than 2 1/2 minutes in. But the Eagles responded even more quickly, with Megan Maloney evening the score at 1-1 just 42 seconds later.

From there, however, it was all Wildcats. Hannah Jabas took over offensively, driving to the net and scoring to give NMU the lead for good. Josie Lakosky followed up with her first goal of the night, and by the end of the first quarter, the Wildcats started taking control with a 3-1 lead.

Northern Michigan University players celebrate the go-ahead goal scored by Hannah Jabas, center, late in the first quarter of a women’s college lacrosse game played against Wisconsin-La Crosse at the Superior Dome in Marquette on Saturday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Northern turned up the intensity in the second quarter. After the Eagles cut the deficit to 3-2, the Wildcats responded in a big way, scoring seven unanswered goals in less than 10 minutes.

Camryn Mayer and Jabas combined for three quick goals, extending NMU’s lead to 6-2. Jabas, who was a force all day, continued her stellar play, adding another goal to push the lead even further. A goal from Laine Stanton and another from Mayer had NMU up by a commanding margin, and by halftime, the Wildcats had built a 12-3 advantage.

Jabas had a career night with her game-high six goals. Her aggressive play kept the Eagles’ defense scrambling, as she gave the Wildcats’ offense a jolt looked as it fired from all cylinders. Lakosky and Bast each added hat tricks of their own, rounding out the well-balanced attack.

Natalie Thomas and Taylor Roberts also found the scoreboard, with Thomas recording her first two goals of the season. Mayer, Stanton and Bast added to the offensive barrage, making it a long night for the Eagles’ defense.

While NMU’s offense stole the show, their defensive effort was just as impressive. The Wildcats forced 16 turnovers, eight directly caused by relentless defensive pressure. They also held a 16-12 ground ball advantage, limiting La Crosse’s ability to generate scoring opportunities.

Northern Michigan University’s Hannah Jabas, left, powers to the net past Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Jordyn Larue late in the first quarter as Jabas would score a goal to put the Wildcats ahead for good in their women’s college lacrosse game played at the Superior Dome in Marquette on Saturday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Northern goaltenders Zoe Montgomery and Lauren Esposito split time in net, with Esposito taking over in the second half and shutting down any hopes of an Eagles comeback.

The second half saw NMU’s offense continue to dominate. Lakosky netted her second goal just seconds into the third quarter, and Jabas followed suit, extending the lead to double digits. While the Eagles put together a small run to cut the lead to 14-7, the Wildcats really never slowed down. Goals from Thomas, Lakosky and Roberts sealed the deal, as Northern controlled the pace until the final whistle.

NMU looks to keep its winning streak alive next week as the Wildcats head to Quincy, Illinois, for two games there. They take on host Quincy University at 4 p.m. EST on March 5, then face Missouri Western at 4 p.m. EST on March 7.

After one more road game at Maryville in St. Louis on March 9, Northern returns home for a match at noon on Saturday, March 15, against Lewis.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.