2023 Northern Michigan Women's Lacrosse Season Preview
MARQUETTE, Mich. -- The NMU lacrosse squad is geared up and ready to go for another season. With plenty of returning firepower accompanied by incoming talent, expectations are growing for the Green and Gold. They are slated to play 16 regular season games, with six conference matchups and five home tilts.
With just four teams in the GLIAC, it will be a tight battle until the finish line. The ‘Cats are picked to finished tied for second, receiving one first-place vote.
2023 GLIAC Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll
| 1 | Grand Valley State | 9 (3) |
| 2T | Northern Michigan | 6 (1) |
| 2T | Concordia St. Paul | 6 |
| 4 | Davenport | 3 |
Schedule Overview
The ‘Cats start the season at home with a back-to-back weekend series, squaring off against Concordia-Ann Arbor on February 25, at noon and Missouri Western State on February 26, at noon, a pair of non-conference games to get the 2023 season underway.
Between the dates of February 27, and April 20, the ‘Cats have just one home game and 11 road matchups. The lone home stand comes against GLIAC opponent Concordia-St. Paul on March 17 at 5 p.m.
The ‘Cats then end the season the same way they started, with a home weekend series. Friday, April 21 will feature the Wildcats hosting Davenport at 5 p.m., then Sunday, April 23, the ‘Cats will entertain Grand Valley State at 12 p.m.
Post-season action is set to start with the GLIAC Quarterfinals on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Team Breakdown
The Wildcats return 23 student-athletes and welcome eight newcomers, broken down into two seniors, 10 juniors, 13 sophomores, and five freshmen.
Head Coach Lindsey (LeMay) Majkrzak returns for her fourth season at the helm for the ‘Cats, and holds a record of 17-19 overall, and 7-9 against GLIAC opponents. The Wildcats also welcome a new Assistant Coach Breann Wallrapp, and a new, albeit familiar face, in Volunteer Assistant Coach Jessica Close.
Top Returners
As a sophomore, Madeline Bittell was named to the First Team for the second consecutive season. After setting several NMU records two seasons ago, Bittell rewrote the record books for the Wildcats last season, setting a new benchmark for the program in goals (52), points (71), shots (124), and shots on goal (90). Bittell was also named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week once after an eight-goal and one-assist weekend leading the 'Cats to road wins over Concordia-St. Paul and Upper Iowa.
As a sophomore, Lauryn Rygiel earned her second consecutive All-GLIAC First Team honors. Last season, Rygiel paced the Wildcats and the GLIAC with 29 caused turnovers. She was also second on the team with 27 ground balls. Rygiel added one goal and a pair of helpers this season.
As a freshman, Maddi Bast landed on the Second Team after impressing in her first season in the Green and Gold. Bast was second on the team in goals (38), points (40), shots (90), and shots on goal (64). Bast also tied the team lead with two game-winners. She recorded a career-high five goals on two occasions in back-to-back games, helping lead NMU to road wins over Concordia-St. Paul and Upper Iowa.