APSU Lacrosse Set for Historic Inaugural Game

Austin Peay State University lacrosse team to play first-ever game against Gardner-Webb at Fortera Stadium

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Austin Peay State University (APSU) lacrosse team is set to play its inaugural game against Gardner-Webb on Saturday at 11:00am at Fortera Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee. The game was moved to the larger stadium due to inclement weather in the area over the past two weeks. The first 100 fans will receive free beer and a t-shirt, though there will be no concessions available.

Why it matters

This is a historic moment for the APSU lacrosse program, which is fielding its first-ever team this season. The Governors have assembled a roster of 18 freshmen, 10 underclassmen transfers, and a few veteran players to take the field for the inaugural game against Gardner-Webb.

The details

The APSU lacrosse team is led by head coach Melissa Rausch and features several key transfers, including sophomore midfielders Morgan Lantz and Kayla Hobday, senior attacker Mak Patten, graduate transfer midfielder Lauryn Warfield, and sophomore defenders Madison Klamo and Elyse Faler. Sophomore goalkeeper Erin-Kate Roeder also joins the team after playing at UMass Lowell last season.

  • The inaugural APSU lacrosse game is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00am.
  • The game was originally scheduled to be played on APSU's campus but was moved to the larger Fortera Stadium due to inclement weather in the Clarksville area over the past two weeks.

The players

Melissa Rausch

Head coach of the inaugural APSU lacrosse team.

Morgan Lantz

Sophomore midfield transfer from UMass Lowell who scored 306 goals and had 109 assists in her high school career.

Kayla Hobday

Sophomore midfield transfer from St. Bonaventure who played both midfield and defense in her freshman season.

Mak Patten

Senior attacker transfer from Saint Francis (PA) who totaled 27 goals, 20 assists, 47 points, 34 ground balls, eight caused turnovers, and two draw controls in three seasons.

Lauryn Warfield

Graduate transfer midfielder from UMBC who was a 2024 America East Second Team All-Conference selection.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Austin Peay State University lacrosse team will travel to Greenville, South Carolina to face Furman on February 20th at Paladin Stadium. Furman was picked third in the Big South Conference Preseason Women's Lacrosse Poll.

The takeaway

This inaugural game marks an exciting new chapter for the APSU lacrosse program, which has assembled a talented roster of both young talent and experienced transfers to take the field for the first time. The move to the larger Fortera Stadium demonstrates the university's commitment to building a successful lacrosse program that can engage the local community.