The Eastern Michigan University lacrosse team continues to rewrite the program’s young record books. In a high-energy Wednesday afternoon showdown at the Indoor Practice Facility, the Eagles secured a 14-11 victory over Lindenwood University, marking the best start in the program's history at 2-1. After opening the previous three seasons with 1-2 records, this year's squad has found a winning rhythm early through balanced scoring and a record-breaking defensive performance.
The victory was anchored by a dominant performance from Mackenzie Blackwell, who continues to establish herself as one of the most prolific scorers in the game. Blackwell netted four goals for the third consecutive game, bringing her career total to 33 hat tricks. Beyond her scoring, she had two assists, totaling six points on the day and netting the eventual game-winning goal — the sixth of her career.
A seesaw battle in the first half
The Eagles wasted no time asserting themselves in the first quarter, jumping out to a 3-0 lead by the midway point. Katheryn Wilson opened the scoring with a precise free-position shot that whistled into the cage. Blackwell then took over, scoring back-to-back goals — the first off an assist from Wilson and the second on a powerful unassisted drive.
However, the visiting Lions, who are 0-2 so far this season, refused to go away quietly. Lindenwood responded with a three-goal surge to end the first quarter, tying the game at 3-3. The Lions even briefly snatched the lead early in the second quarter, converting a free-position goal to go up 4-3 with 13:51 remaining in the half.
Eastern’s response was immediate and overwhelming. The Eagles reclaimed the lead with a four-goal run started by Kelsea Dague, who was assisted by Blackwell. Dague, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, looked back to her clinical self throughout the afternoon. Following Dague’s equalizer, Wilson notched her second goal of the day off a pass from Emerson Henry.
The second quarter also featured a milestone for freshman Emma Reichert. With 3:25 left in the half, Reichert hammered home her first collegiate goal, followed shortly by a woman-up goal from Henry. While Lindenwood scored in the closing seconds of the period, the Eagles headed into the locker room with a 7-5 advantage.
Maintaining control in the second half
Lindenwood managed to knot the score once more at 7-7 early in the third quarter, but the Eagles again answered with four consecutive goals to seize permanent control. Mak Grisinger initiated the run off another Blackwell feed, followed by back-to-back scores from Dague. Dague’s third goal of the game secured her first hat trick since April 2024. Blackwell capped the run with her final goal of the period, sending the Eagles into the fourth quarter leading 11-8.
The final stanza was a back-and-forth affair. Blackwell scored her fourth of the day early in the period, and Reichert doubled her career total with a second goal on a free-position shot. The Lions attempted a late rally, cutting the lead to two, but Kyleigh Dill put the game to rest. With just 1:10 remaining, Dill found herself alone in front of the cage and converted a woman-up opportunity to seal the 14-11 win.
Milestones and standout performances
Several individuals reached career benchmarks during the afternoon. Mackenzie Blackwell, as mentioned earlier, marked her third straight game with at least four goals. Her efforts included the eventual game-winning goal, the sixth of her career.
Defensively, goalkeeper Maddy Porter was a wall, finishing with 10 saves. Porter also added three ground balls to her total, leaving her just eight shy of becoming the first player in EMU history to record 150 career scoops. Annika Wozney recorded two ground balls and two caused turnovers, becoming only the second player in program history to reach 40 career caused turnovers. Haley Hodak also had a career day, collecting a personal-best four ground balls to bring her career total over the 50-mark.
Looking ahead
Now 2-1, the Eagles look to maintain their momentum as they continue their homestand. Eastern Michigan will welcome Xavier University to the Indoor Practice Facility this Saturday, Feb. 14, for a 2 p.m. showdown. Following their impressive performance against Lindenwood, the Eagles appear primed to continue their historic ascent in the 2026 season.
