East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's lacrosse team is set to host Youngstown State University for their first outdoor home game of the season. The match, which will take place at Scicluna Field in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m., marks EMU's home opener in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Both teams enter the contest with a record of 0-1 in MAC play following narrow defeats in their previous matches.

The Eagles have had a season characterized by streaks, having won four consecutive games after losing their initial two. They currently hold a 4-4 overall record. "The Eagles are 1-1 in its MAC home opener after winning, 12-11, over Kent State," according to an EMU spokesperson.

This upcoming game will also be notable as it will be streamed live on ESPN+ for the first time from Scicluna Field. Tom Helmer will provide commentary for the broadcast.

Mackenzie Blackwell has been a standout player for Eastern Michigan this season. She recently broke the program record for free-position goals and leads the MAC in goals per game and shots per game. "With one free-position goal scored at Robert Morris (March 16), Mackenzie Blackwell brought her career total to 21," said an EMU representative.

Youngstown State comes into this matchup with a slightly better overall record of 5-4 but shares an identical conference record with EMU. Their recent loss against Akron ended a four-game winning streak.

In terms of head-to-head encounters between these two teams, each has secured one victory when playing at home. Last year, Eastern Michigan defeated Youngstown State with an 18-11 scoreline on April 21.

Looking ahead, Eastern Michigan will travel to face Central Michigan University on March 30 for another conference clash.