HANOVER, Ind. — The Lawrence University women's lacrosse team opened its 2026 season on Saturday afternoon, falling 9–5 to Hanover College in nonconference action.

Hanover jumped out to an early lead with two first-quarter goals from Iyana Phelps before Lawrence responded late in the period. Bella Krull-Collins got the Vikings on the board with an unassisted goal to trim the deficit to 2–1 heading into the second quarter.

The Panthers built momentum in the second quarter, scoring four times to extend their advantage to 6–2 by halftime. Lawrence's second goal came with under three minutes remaining in the half as Savannah Larsen finished a play set up by Sarah Dobrzynski to keep the Vikings within striking distance.

Lawrence pushed back in the third quarter behind Larsen, who scored her second goal of the game to make it 6–3. Later in the period, Dobrzynski converted a free-position opportunity to cut the deficit to 7–4. Hanover responded with a late goal in the quarter and added another early in the fourth to maintain control of the contest.

The Vikings capped the scoring late in the fourth quarter when Emma Perry found the back of the net on an assist from Mackenzie Igel-Harri, bringing the final score to 9–5.

Larsen led Lawrence offensively with two goals, while Dobrzynski added a goal and an assist. Krull-Collins and Perry also recorded goals for the Vikings.

Defensively, Lawrence held a 30–21 advantage in ground balls. Perry and Annika Solberg each collected four ground balls to lead the Vikings, while Larsen added three. In goal, Neva Mertsching recorded four saves and Mackenzie Igel-Harri added two stops as the Vikings combined for seven saves.

Lawrence finished the contest with 20 shots compared to Hanover's 19 as the Vikings look to build on the season-opening effort moving forward.