Marquette Women’s Lacrosse Opens 2026 Season vs. Eastern Michigan on ESPN+

The Marquette University women’s lacrosse team begins its 2026 season this Friday, February 6th, with a home game against Eastern Michigan at Valley Fields. The opening draw is scheduled for 12 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Series History and Recent Performance

Marquette holds a 3-0 series lead over Eastern Michigan, with only one of those contests having taken place at Valley Fields. Last season, on April 25, 2025, Marquette defeated Eastern Michigan 18-14 in Ypsilanti, concluding their 2025 season. Tess Osburn and Meg Bireley combined for 11 goals in that game, with Osburn achieving a career-high of six goals. The Golden Eagles overcame an early 4-1 deficit, scoring 10 of the next 12 goals to establish a 12-6 halftime lead.

Eastern Michigan’s Outlook

Eastern Michigan enters the 2026 season following an 8-9 campaign in 2025, which included a share of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular-season title and a return to the conference semifinals. The team is led offensively by Mackenzie Blackwell, described as one of the league’s most dynamic scorers and draw specialists, alongside contributors Tracy Grollman, Katheryn Wilson and Emerson Henry.

Marquette’s Season and Home Opener Record

Marquette has a 4-9 all-time record in season openers, but has won their last four season-opening games. Last year, they defeated Central Michigan 17-5 on the road on February 12, 2025. This year’s opener is tied for the earliest start to a season in program history, matching a February 6, 2016 game against Louisville.

At Valley Fields, Marquette is 9-4 in home openers, having won the last five. Their last home opener was against Cincinnati on February 11, 2024, which they won 18-12.

2025 Season in Review

Marquette concluded the 2025 season with a 10-6 record, marking the third 10-win season in program history. The team played 11 games decided by a margin of five goals or less. Offensively, Marquette averaged 13.94 goals per game, ranking third in the BIG EAST and among the top scoring offenses nationally. They also averaged 20.81 points per game, also third in the BIG EAST, and took an average of 33.1 shots per game, the highest in the conference.

The Golden Eagles recorded 382 total shots on goal (second-most in the BIG EAST), 312 ground balls (second in the BIG EAST), and 172 caused turnovers (third in the BIG EAST, averaging 10.8 per game). Their team clearing percentage was .850 (255-of-300), a top mark in the BIG EAST. The team’s scoring margin for the 2025 season was +10 (223-213).

Player Recognition and Returning Talent

Four Marquette student-athletes have been recognized with Preseason All-BIG EAST honors: Tess Osburn and Hanna Bodner were unanimous selections, with Bodner also being named the reigning BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year. Lauren Grady and Mary Velner also earned preseason honors following All-BIG EAST Second Team selections in 2025.

Marquette is returning a significant portion of its offensive production from the 2025 season, bringing back 66% of its goals (148 of 223) and 64% of its total points (213 of 333). They also return 59% of assists, 62% of shots, 66% of ground balls, 67% of draw controls, and 69% of caused turnovers.

New Additions to the Roster

Marquette has welcomed ten freshmen for the 2026 season. Attackers Dani Serrano and Ella Mautz are expected to contribute to the offense, while midfielders Megan Hansen, Gabby Windesheim, Emily Couri, and Mia Oh will add depth to the midfield. On defense, Eliza Agate, Finley Breen, and Annabel Carlin will strengthen the back line, and Jillian Howell joins the goalkeeper unit.

BIG EAST Conference Television Coverage

The BIG EAST Conference continues to be one of the most televised conferences in the 2025-26 academic year, providing increased visibility for Marquette’s women’s lacrosse program. The BIG EAST also announced its 2025-26 Women’s Basketball TV Schedule on October 2, 2025.