EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin–Stout women's lacrosse team opened its 2026 season on Saturday morning with a 19–9 loss to Calvin University in Eau Claire.
The Blue Devils set the tone early, controlling possession and tempo over the first four minutes of play, but Calvin capitalized on multiple man-up opportunities to build momentum as the game progressed. Stout showed strong stretches in both the first and third quarters, highlighted by a seven-goal third period that kept the contest competitive.
Last season's leading scorer, Mai Nou Vang, led the Blue Devils with three goals and three assists, accounting for six of Stout's nine goals. Vang was active all over the field, also recording five draw controls to help spark the third-quarter surge.
Stout got on the board late in the second quarter when Riley Schulte converted a free-position opportunity. The Blue Devils carried that momentum into the third, where Ava Loveland and Erin Nolan each scored twice during a sustained offensive push. Nolan's goals both came on man-up chances, while Loveland added an assist to go with her pair of scores.
Saturday's opener also marked milestone moments for the Blue Devils, as both Loveland and Nolan recorded the first goals of their collegiate careers. Luci Fitzgerald capped the scoring for Stout with a fourth-quarter goal.
Calvin relied heavily on its extra-player efficiency, scoring several man-up goals to maintain separation despite Stout's strong third quarter. Emilia Bullock played the full 60 minutes in goal for the Blue Devils, finishing with 10 saves.
By the Numbers
Up Next
UW–Stout heads to Milwaukee on Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m., to take on the Milwaukee School of Engineering in its first road match of the season.
