NMU's Emily Dvorak runs with McKendree’s Sarah Hardin on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at the Superior Dome in Marquette. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

By Journal

Sports Staff

MARQUETTE — After completing just its second season in program history a couple of months ago, the Northern Michigan University women’s lacrosse team already got a jump on its third as the Wildcats announced their 2019 schedule earlier this week.

The Wildcats open the year with an home exhibition match against Albion at noon Saturday, February 23 in the Superior Dome.

The following weekend, Northern will host its regular season opener against Lindenwood (Mo.) at 1 pm. on March 3.

After back-to-back road games at Wheeling Jesuit (W. Va.) Mar. 6 and Lake Erie (Ohio) Mar. 7, NMU returns home to face Davenport at 7 pm. Mar. 15 and then Grand Valley State at noon Mar. 17.

The Wildcats earned their first-ever GLIAC win against Davenport last year as they topped the Panthers 17-16 in the Superior Dome.

Northern then begins a five-game road stretch starting Mar. 22 at McKendree (Ill.). The Wildcats will move on to Maryville (Mo.) on Mar. 24 followed by Upper Iowa Mar. 27, Lewis (Ill.) Mar. 31 and finally, Concordia St. Paul (Minn.) on April 5.

NMU gets a rematch with Concordia in Marquette at 6 pm. Apr. 10 before heading back out on the road that weekend. The Wildcats play at GVSU Apr. 12 and at Davenport Apr. 14.

Northern then wraps up its regular season with three straight home games. It faces Indianapolis at 7 pm. Apr. 18, Ashland (Ohio) at 11 am. Apr. 20 and Upper Iowa at noon Apr. 28.

Last season, not only did the Wildcats earn their first GLIAC victory, but their first All-GLIAC selection as well when Graison Ringlever notched Honorable Mention honors.

Ringlever also became the first NMU player to get 100 career draw controls. In addition to that, she tied with Emily Dvorak for the team lead in assists with seven and was second in goals with 37. Dvorak was the leading goal scorer with 39.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.