NMU Women's Lacrosse rallies for win over Colorado Mesa

Lakosky and Carrico each score three goals

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The NMU lacrosse team kicked off its Colorado spring break road trip with a 9-7 win over Colorado Mesa. After being down 4-2 in the first quarter, the Wildcats surged in the second half thanks to a 3-0 run to start the third quarter and crucial saves from junior goalkeeper Lauren Esposito.

Why it matters

This win marks the first time in program history that the NMU women's lacrosse team has started a season 5-0. The Mavericks were the preseason favorites to win the RMAC conference, making this an impressive early-season victory for the Wildcats.

The details

Offensively, the Wildcats were led by Josie Lakosky (3-1–4) and Vanessa Carrico (3-0–3), who recorded matching hat-tricks. Lakosky also won seven draw controls and caused a pair of turnovers, while defender Natalie Thomas caused three ground balls and a trio of turnovers. Goalkeeper Lauren Esposito made nine saves on the day for a .563 SV%, including a pair of free position shots in the dying minutes.

  • The Wildcats (5-0, 0-0) are now undefeated through its opening five games to start a season for the first time in program history.
  • This marked the first time NMU has played outdoors this season.

The players

Lauren Esposito

The junior goalkeeper for the NMU women's lacrosse team, who made nine saves on the day for a .563 SV% and came up with crucial stops in the final minutes.

Josie Lakosky

The NMU attacker who recorded a hat-trick with three goals and one assist, also winning seven draw controls and causing two turnovers.

Vanessa Carrico

The NMU attacker who also recorded a hat-trick with three goals.

Natalie Thomas

The NMU defender who caused three ground balls and a trio of turnovers.

Colorado Mesa Mavericks

The opposing team, who were the RMAC Co-Champions last season and the preseason favorites to win the conference this year.

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What’s next

The Colorado road trip continues, as the 'Cats take on Colorado Springs on Wednesday, March 4, at 4 p.m. ET, 2 p.m. MT.

The takeaway

NMU's women's lacrosse team has proven its ability to rally from an early deficit and secure a key early-season victory over a conference rival, showcasing the team's resilience and depth as they aim to build on their undefeated start to the season.