CMU lacrosse wins against Youngstown State in MACtion
The Central Michigan University lacrosse team huddles up during the lacrosse game at the Soccer/Lacrosse Complex on Monday, April 6, 2026. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Central Michigan lacrosse edged Youngstown State 7-6 in a one-goal battle, earning its first win since a home victory over Detroit Mercy and extending its winning streak over the Penguins.
The Chippewas held off a late push from Youngstown State, which tied the game with under seven minutes remaining, before securing the narrow win.Central Michigan lacrosse won in a close game to Youngstown State, the first win for the team since their win at home to Detroit Mercy.
The win continued the Chippewas winning streak against YSU, as the last time CMU lost to the Ohio team was in 2022.
"I thought we played with a lot of passion, I think there's definitely more things that, of course, we could clean up," head coach Katie Vahle said. "I think we could have played a lot better than we did, but I'm super proud that we were able to pull it out in the end."
CMU's defense had a strong game with 21 turnovers, 11 more than the previous game against Southern California.
"They're very good at working together, I think they have a lot of chemistry," Vahle said. "They're really good at reading each other's minds, but they just put a lot of trust in each other lately, which has been super huge and super impactful."
Central Michigan was ahead for the first half of the game, but YSU eventually followed behind with two scores from freshman attacker Molly Brooks and junior midfielder Mia Yuris.
Even though Youngstown took the lead in shots during the game at 18, 14 of which were on goal, CMU's senior goalkeeper Leila Kahler stayed strong with 10 saves.
"She keeps improving every single day and she's another huge leader for us in our team," Vahle said about Kahler.
Before the win, Central Michigan was seventh in the Mid-American Conference standings, Youngstown State in fifth and the newcomer to the MAC, UMass, in first.
At the end of the first half, CMU was in the lead by three after a goal from junior attacker Anna Farrar and an assist from Bradley, her fourth hat trick of the season.
"I mean, she killed it," Vahle said about Farrar. "She's really been a big boost for us lately, she's a leader and a voice always."
With less than seven minutes left in the game, junior midfielder Mia Yuris of Youngstown State scored her fifth goal of the season, tying up the game.
CMU will travel back to Ohio for their second-to-last game of the regular season against Kent State on April 18 at 1 p.m.
