WLAX Kicks off 2026 Season Hosting Eastern Michigan Friday

Friday, February 6

Milwaukee, WI

12 P.M. CT

Marquette University

Eastern Michigan

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WLAX Kicks off 2026 Season Hosting Eastern Michigan Friday

2/4/2026 1:43:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse

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Golden Eagles open season at Valley Fields for first time since 2024.

By: Communications

The Marquette University women's lacrosse team is set to officially kick off the 2026 campaign this Friday, hosting Eastern Michigan at Valley Fields. Opening draw control is set for 12 p.m. CT, and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Friday's season opener will kick off a season-long three-game homestand. MU will be back in action on Sunday, hosting Cincinnati at 12 p.m. CT, before wrapping the homestand on Feb. 13 against Central Michigan at 12 p.m. CT.

HISTORY VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN

The series between the Golden Eagles and EMU Eagles dates back to 2023, as MU and EMU have faced off in each of the past three seasons. Marquette owns a 3-0 series lead, with just one of those contests occuring at Valley Fields.

Last season, MU defeated Eastern Michigan18-14 last season in Ypsilanti in the 2025 season finale on April 25. Tess Osburn and Meg Bireley powered the Golden Eagles with a combined 11 goals, as Osburn tied her career high with six. After falling behind 4–1 early, Marquette responded with a strong first half, scoring 10 of the next 12 goals to take a 12–6 halftime lead while holding Eastern Michigan to just two goals over a 20-minute stretch. Despite a third-quarter surge by EMU, Marquette answered late and secured the win.

SCOUTING EASTERN MICHIGAN

Eastern Michigan enters the 2026 season aiming to build on back-to-back years of historic growth, following an 8–9 campaign in 2025 that included a share of the MAC regular-season title and a return trip to the conference semifinals.

Offensively, EMU is led by standout attacker Mackenzie Blackwell, one of the league's most dynamic scorers and draw specialists, along with proven contributors Tracy Grollman, Katheryn Wilson, and Emerson Henry.

MU IN SEASON/HOME OPENERS

MU is just 4-9 all-time in season openers, but have strung together a run of four-straight season-opening victories. Last season, Marquette defeated Central Michigan, 17-5, on the road to open the campaign on Feb. 12. This season's opener is tied for the earliest start to a season in program history, with MU taking on 15th-ranked Louisville in the 2016 season opener on Feb. 6.

The last time Marquette opened the season at Valley Fields was the 2024 season, when Marquette defeated Cincinnati, 18-12, on Feb. 11. Overall, MU is 9-4 in home openers at Valley Fields, winning each of the last five.

BY THE NUMBERS (2025)

10 - Marquette wins in 2025, marking the third 10-win season in program history.
13.94 - Goals per game, ranking third in the BIG EAST and among the top scoring offenses nationally.
20.81 - Points per game, third in the BIG EAST during the 2025 season.
33.1 - Shots per game, the highest average in the BIG EAST.
382 - Total shots on goal, second-most in the BIG EAST.
312 - Ground balls, ranking second in the BIG EAST.
172 - Caused turnovers, third in the BIG EAST and an average of 10.8 per game.
.850 - Team clearing percentage (255-of-300), one of the top marks in the BIG EAST.
223-213 - Marquette scoring margin in 2025 (+10).
45 - Goals by Tess Osburn in 2025, the most among returning players.
45/52 - Goals and draw controls by Hanna Bodner, who ranked among BIG EAST leaders in both categories.

FOUR EARN PRESEASON HONORS

Marquette placed four student-athletes on the Preseason All-BIG EAST team, led by unanimous selections Tessa Osburn and reigning BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year Hanna Bodner.

Junior attacker Lauren Grady and junior defender Mary Velner also earned preseason honors after All-BIG EAST Second Team honors in 2025.

RETURNING PRODUCTION

Marquette returns a significant portion of its field production from a 10-win 2025 season, bringing back 66% of its goals (148 of 223) and 64% of its total points (213 of 333) from players on the 2026 roster.

The Golden Eagles also return 59% of assists, 62% of shots, 66% of ground balls, 67% of draw controls, and 69% of caused turnovers, highlighting continuity across all areas of the field.

MARQUETTE WELCOMES 10 FOR 2026

Marquette welcomes a deep and versatile freshman class for the 2026 season, highlighted by attackers Dani Serrano and Ella Mautz, who add scoring potential to the Golden Eagle offense, and midfielders Megan Hansen, Gabby Windesheim, Emily Couri, and Mia Oh, bolstering depth and competition through the middle of the field.

Defensively, newcomers Eliza Agate, Finley Breen, and Annabel Carlin strengthen a young back line, while Jillian Howell joins the goalkeeper unit, giving Marquette added options as the program looks to integrate youth into key roles this spring.

2025 SEASON RECAP

Marquette enters the 2026 season following a 10–6 campaign in 2025, marking the third 10-win season in program history. The Golden Eagles played 11 games decided by five goals or fewer last season.

Offensively, Marquette averaged 13.94 goals per game, fourth-best single-season scoring average in program history. The Golden Eagles reached double figures in scoring in 12 of 16 contests, including six games with 18 or more goals.

HOME SWEET HOME

Valley Fields continues to be a stronghold for the Golden Eagles, as Marquette posted a 6–2 home record in 2025 and has now won 11 of its last 15 games on its home turf.

The Golden Eagles averaged more than 320 fans per home game, marking one of the program's strongest attendance seasons in 2025.

MARQUETTE MISC.

The Golden Eagles have recorded 10 or more wins in three of the last four seasons.
The Golden Eagles cleared at an .850 clip (255-of-300), one of the best marks in the BIG EAST.
Graduate midfielder Hanna Bodner and Senior attacker Tess Osburn scored 45 goals last season, the seventh-most in a single season in program history.
Marquette produced five players with 14 or more points in 2025 who return for 2026.