MARQUETTE, MICH. – The GVSU women's lacrosse team was up across the bridge this afternoon, taking on Northern Michigan in the opening weekend of GLIAC play. The Lakers staged a fourth quarter comeback, sending the game to overtime, where Emerson Holthouser sent GVSU home happy with the game-winner. The 12-11 win moves GVSU to 7-3 overall land 2-0 in league play.
 
The Lakers opened the scoring with a goal from Leah Leonard less than three minutes into the game. The Wildcats scored the final four goals of the quarter to lead by three after the first 15 minutes.
 
Northern Michigan added another to start the second period, leading 5-1. Ashleigh Rothe ended the Wildcat run with her first goal of the day. After another NMU score, Rothe added her second, then Kendra Swope took a pass from Zoe Ziegler and scored to end the half with GVSU trailing 6-4.
 
The two teams traded goals for the entirety of the third quarter, both notching four scores. Rothe scored three times and Ziegler recorded one, making it 10-8, NMU leading going to the fourth.
 
Rothe got the Lakers early in the fourth quarter, her fifth of the day. NMU responded quickly to go back up by two. Rothe netted another goal, then Ziegler tied the game at the 7:03 mark of the period. Neither team would score for the rest of the quarter, forcing a golden goal overtime tied at 11.
 
The Lakers controlled the opening draw of the overtime period, setting their offense up. The Lakers got multiple good looks at the goal, then Rothe found a cutting Emerson Holthouser who fired one past the goalie and kept the Lakers perfect in GLIAC play.
 
Ashleigh Rothe had herself a day, totaling six goals on just eight shots, adding six draw controls, two assists, two groundballs, and one caused turnover. Zoe Ziegler notched a hat trick to go along with an assist. Kendra Swope, Leah Leonard, and Emerson Holthouser all scored once, with Jillian Bingman adding an assist.
 
Kaylyn Cater made four saves and had two groundballs, while Sarah Krause picked up the win in the cage, also making four saves. Kylie Waeghe tallied two groundballs and two draw controls.
 
Up Next
The Lakers stay on the road, taking on Davenport in the Crosstown Showdown on Wednesday.