This story was written by NMU Sports Information

MARQUETTE---In its first game in program history, the Northern Michigan lacrosse team routed Northland, 18-1, Saturday afternoon at the Superior Dome.

"Getting a win in your first game is always a lot of fun," said head coach Emilia Ward. "We scored really early and scored often. It was a lot of fun for the fans, who came out in full force."

The Wildcats scored 18 unanswered goals, 10 in the first half and eight in the second, to down the Lumberjills, who are also in their first season of competition.

Northern Michigan came out strong in front of a crowd of 264 fans, netting seven goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. During that stretch, six different Wildcats found the back of the net.
 

"We had awesome support from our fans," Ward said. "They got our girls fired up to play and definitely helped themkeep going for the full 60 minutes."

Shelby Klotz led the way offensively, scoring five goals, including the team's first just 19 seconds into the game off of a free position shot.

"We were expecting pretty big things from Shelby," Ward said. "She was a high point getter at Brevard so we knew she would get it going for us until everyone else's nerves calmed down."

Blair Osgood (4g-1a) and Graison Ringlever (4g-1a) also had five-point outings. Jordan Hanner and Savannah Stich each chipped in two goals while Angelica Bogden registered a goal and a helper.

The Wildcats limited the Lumberjills to just five shots on goal and sent 34 of their own on target. Brianna Bangle became the first Northern Michigan goalie to pick up a win by making four saves.

Ringlever notched the first assist in program history, feeding Hanner for Northern Michigan's fourth goal at the 24:15 mark. She also led the Wildcats with six draw controls.