CMU lacrosse loses by 11 points to Southern California
Central Michigan University junior attacker Anna Farrar looks for a teammate to pass to at the lacrosse game at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex on Monday, April 6, 2026. Farrar scored two goals on five attempted shots total. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Central Michigan junior attacker Anna Farrar fought past Southern California's defense to get the first score for the Chippewas of the game.
With an assist from sophomore midfielder Elyse DeFrank, to put the first score for CMU just under a minute left in the first half of the game.
CMU was dominated by USC 15-4 at CMU lacrosse complex on April 6, after the Chippewas lost on the road to Eastern Michigan.
"I think we showed a lot of heart. I think our first half was a little bit messy," Central Michigan Head Coach Katie Vahle said. "But the second half we, I mean, stuck to the plan we had a little bit more fun, it was just good to see."
Throughout the entire game, USC was in the lead. While CMU was struggling to get the first score on the board, Southern California had 10 goals with five minutes left in the second quarter.
After halftime, energy was visibly high for Central Michigan, for offense and defense.
"Don't be scared, I think they took advantage of us looking a little bit scared, and I think, second half, we really just came out with a newfound confidence and more belief in each other," Vahle said about her message to the team at halftime.
With seven minutes left in the third quarter, Farrar received a pass from sophomore midfielder Caye Kalbacher to put her second goal on the board for the day.
"She's a big leader on our team, I know the girls put a lot of trust in her," Vahle said about Farrar. "She really used her physicality and her skills, so she used her voice to push everyone else; she's huge for us."
CMU's defense was more aggressive as well in the second half, with 10 shots, five of which were on goal. More than doubling that of the first half, when the Chippewas only made four shots, three on goal.
Central Michigan's senior goalkeeper Leila Kahler had 13 saves throughout the entire game, three more than her previous game against EMU.
"She was the juice this game, for sure, if we did not have her, that score would look a lot different," Vahle said. "So, she definitely deserves all the praise."
Ten minutes left in the game, after a failed free position shot from Kalbacher, senior attacker Kelsey Barratt got her first goal of the game with an assist from freshman attacker Mia Bradley.
Barratt also finished off the game with a goal, just under a minute left to go, marking her 12th goal of the season.
"I think our draw team, we just got to get a little bit more of those, but I think today was a good testament to what our future looks like," Vahle said about changes she hopes to see.
The Chippewas will take on Youngstown State on the road in Ohio on April 11 at noon.
