MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University women’s lacrosse team opened its season with a 23-2 nonconference loss to Lindenwood at home in the Superior Dome on Saturday morning.

Emily Renfrew scored for the Wildcats just after the season was six minutes old, getting an assist from Tess Kostelec, while Northern’s Kaitlyn Bridger scored on a free position shot with a little over 13 minutes remaining.

NMU was outshot 35-18, including 12 on Northern’s on goal. Cam Stilson and Aliyah Smukala split duties in the NMU goal, Stilson getting three saves and Smukala two as the latter entered the game early in the second half.

Paige Sutton had six goals and an assist for Lindenwood, ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division II.

The Wildcats hit the road for their next four matches and won’t return home until March 26. Their next match is at Quincy, Illinois, on Sunday.