University of Michigan Athletics: A Glimpse into Women’s Lacrosse Triumphs
Schedule Update: Due to expected inclement weather, the April 2nd matchup between the No. 16-ranked Michigan women’s lacrosse team and Eastern Michigan has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. The game will take place indoors at the Indoor Practice Facility on the EMU campus. Get the latest details about the matchup here.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – As the sun rises on a new day in April, the No. 16-ranked University of Michigan women’s lacrosse team (7-4, 2-2 Big Ten) is ready to host the Eastern Michigan Eagles (5-5) for a thrilling non-conference clash. Fans can tune in at the revamped U-M Lacrosse Stadium, as the excitement continues to build for this pivotal game day.
A Season of Resilience and Records
After a heart-pounding recent matchup, the Wolverines seek to return to winning ways, having split their last two Big Ten games. They achieved a comeback against No. 21 Ohio State but faced a tough loss against Penn State.
Strengths on Defense
The Michigan Wolverines boast an impressive defensive record that deserves attention. Currently, they rank 10th nationally in scoring defense by allowing a mere 8.91 goals per game. Among the team’s defensive stalwarts, Grace Callahan has distinguished herself, ranking 11th in the conference with an outstanding 15 caused turnovers.
Jill Smith: A Historical Climb
In a dazzling performance, senior Jill Smith etched her name in Wolverine lore by becoming the all-time career points leader. With a jaw-dropping score at the start of the fourth quarter against Ohio State, she showcased her scoring prowess with seven pivotal points (three goals, four assists), bringing her career total to 211 points. Smith surpassed Caitlin Muir’s previous record of 203. As a native of Farmington Hills, Mich., she adds local pride to her growing legacy.
Dominating Performance Against Ohio State
Their victory against Ohio State was nothing short of spectacular. The Wolverines mounted an incredible 10-1 run in the second half, sealing a 14-7 victory against their ranked rival. During this game, Smith showcased stellar second-half skills, but she wasn’t alone; Kaylee Dyer and Julia Schwabe contributed significantly, securing four points each, with Dyer netting four goals.
Goalkeeping Greatness
In the cage, senior goalie Erin O’Grady is on the brink of breaking records—she’s just four wins shy of the Michigan career wins record currently held by Mira Shane. Already, O’Grady has amassed 20 career wins, and her single-season record of 14 wins in 2024 testifies to her skill.
Milestones Await: Maya Rutherford and Julia Schwabe
As the season progresses, another senior, Maya Rutherford, is poised to tie the Michigan career games played record at 70. Known for her tenacity on the backline, Rutherford has been instrumental, starting in all 69 games of her career while recording 43 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers. Similarly, Julia Schwabe is on track to make her mark, needing only two more games to tie the career games played record.
Impactful Freshman: Emma Burke
Freshman sensation Emma Burke has emerged as a cornerstone for the team, ranking sixth in the Big Ten with 71 draw control wins. Her performance places her third in Michigan’s single-season history and 10th in the program’s career history. Notably, her 17 wins against Marquette set a new record for a single game, securing her position as a rising star in Wolverine lacrosse.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Michigan will host Johns Hopkins on April 13, with the game set to kick off at noon on B1G+.
As the Wolverines strive to maintain their competitive edge, the synergy between skill and determination will be critical. With each game, every player brings their unique flair, contributing to what promises to be an exhilarating season.
Stay tuned for more highlights and updates as the University of Michigan women’s lacrosse team continues its pursuit of greatness!
