This story was written by NMU Sports Information

ALLENDALE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University lacrosse team fell to Grand Valley State 15-9 in the GLIAC Championship match on Sunday.

The Wildcats (11-8, 4-4 GLIAC) have now beaten Concordia-St. Paul in the semifinals and lost to Grand Valley (15-3, 8-0 GLIAC) in the conference championship in Allendale for the third consecutive season. The Lakers have won five-straight GLIAC postseason titles, and their ninth postseason championship in the 13 seasons of GLIAC lacrosse.

The Wildcats tied the Lakers at 4-4 after the first quarter, the second time in program history the team has scored four against GVSU in the opening 15 minutes (the first instance came at home earlier this season). The teams battled back and forth, and the Lakers were only up by two goals heading into the final quarter, but six goals from GVSU to two from NMU in the final frame put the game out of reach.

The 'Cats were led by All-GLIAC First Team selections Katelyn Wozney (3-0--3) and the GLIAC Attacker of the Year Josie Lakosky (2-0--2) while getting a pair of goals from Emily Radke (2-0--2) as well. Both Maddi Bast and Laine Stanton added a goal of their own, and Hannah Jabas recorded the lone Wildcat assist.

This marked the first career hat-trick and a career high in single-game points for Wozney.

akosky ends the season with 91 points (69-22--91), the second-most goals, assists, and points in a single season behind 2024 Minnie Bittell.

Lauren Esposito played the full 60 minutes, making 10 saves from 30 shots faced, marking back-to-back games where the sophomore has made 10+ saves on 29+ shots faced. Sophie Langsdale (2 CT, 2 GB), Natalie Thomas (1 CT, 3 GB), and Norah Bates (3 GB) led the 'Cats on defense.

The teams were dead even in both ground balls (16) and turnovers (14), while the Lakers held an 18-10 advantage in draw controls.

Grand Valley was led by Ella Boose (5-0--5) and Ashleigh Rothe (4-2--6). Kaylyn Cater made two saves on seven shots on frame before being replaced by the GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year, Sarah Krause, who made five saves on nine shots on target in the second half.