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MARQUETTE — In a sport where scoring usually comes fast and furious, the Northern Michigan University women’s lacrosse team posted a rare shutout on Friday evening.

The Wildcats blanked Saginaw Valley State 20-0 on the fast track of the Superior Dome turf, just the second shutout in NMU history. The other blanking was a 21-0 roasting of Concordia-Ann Arbor on Feb. 27, 2023.

But the offense also shone, with Maddi Bast, Josie Lakosky and Taylor Priestley each achieving three-goal — or more — hat tricks.

Northern Michigan University’s Josie Lakosky, left, looks for a teammate to pass to during a GLIAC women’s lacrosse game played against Grand Valley State at the Superior Dome in Marquette on March 30. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

Priestley actually posted a career high with eight points, scoring three goals and adding an unusual five assists as the majority of lacrosse goals are unassisted.

Bast pumped in four goals, while Lakosky, who set the program record for single-game scoring twice earlier this season, had three goals and two assists for five points.

Lakosky eventually set Northern’s single-game record at 13 points against Lewis back in mid-March, with Priestley’s total the highest by a single player since then.

Northern’s 20 goals matched its season high already achieved twice before in the 20-9 win over Lewis on March 15 and a 20-1 romp over SVSU downstate on March 23. NMU has also had 19 goals once and 18 three times this season.

Friday’s victory keeps the Wildcats’ chances for a share of second place in the GLIAC alive. NMU improved to 9-7 overall and 3-4 in the league, a game and a half behind second-place Concordia-St. Paul at 4-2 in conference contests.

Northern Michigan University players celebrate a goal by Taylor Priestley, second from right, during a college lacrosse game played against Walsh at the Superior Dome in Marquette on Feb. 15. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

C-SP hosts SVSU this afternoon before the Minnesota school and Northern hook up at noon next Saturday in the Superior Dome. The Golden Bears would have to be upset by winless Saginaw Valley (0-11, 0-6 GLIAC), with NMU then winning their encounter with C-SP — the Wildcats’ only remaining game in the regular season — to tie for second.

Back to Friday, the Wildcats only got half their goals from their hat-trick producing trio. Natalie Thomas, Dayna Carlson and Abby Sisson added two goals apiece, while Hannah Jabas, Camryn Mayer, Taylor Roberts and Norah Bates had one each. Jabas also had two assists for a three-point day, while Mayer had an assist for two points.

Also getting in on the dozen Northern players with at least one point were Katelyn Wozney and Laine Stanton each with an assist.

Not surprisingly, just about all the team statistics tilted NMU’s way — the Wildcats outshot the Cardinals by a whopping 46-7 margin, which included maybe an even more impressive 32-2 margin in shots on goal.

That only allowed Wildcat goalkeepers Lauren Esposito and Zoe Montgomery to each make one measly save as they split time in net right down the middle.

Northern also led 32-15 in ground balls and 16-6 in draw controls while also having the advantage with fewer turnovers, 32-16.

Individually, Lakosky led the Wildcats with 11 shots, eight on goal, along with three caused turnovers. She also shared top team honors with four ground balls and four draw controls. Carlson and Thomas also had four ground balls, while Bast also had four draw controls.

NMU started the game with a flourish, scoring a half-dozen goals in each of the first two quarters to take a 12-0 halftime lead. Carlson, Lakosky, Bast and Priestley each scored in the game’s first six minutes for a quick 4-0 advantage.

The Wildcats also jumped all over their guests to start the second period, scoring four times in the first four minutes that made it 10-0 at the time.

In the first four minutes of the final quarter, Bates scored her first career goal, which was also Priestley’s fifth assist of the day.

NMU is insured of making the GLIAC Tournament by finishing in the top four among the five teams in the conference. That two-round event will likely be held at all-but-assured league champion Grand Valley State (6-0 GLIAC) on May 2 and 4.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the game. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.