University Center, Mich. – The University of Findlay women's lacrosse team kicked off their 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, Feb. 21, securing their first win of the year with a 15-4 rout over Saginaw Valley State University. With the season-opening victory, the Oilers start the year at 1-0, while the host Cardinals drop to 0-3 on the young season.

After shaking off the early-season rust, the Oilers held a narrow 2-1 advantage at the end of a defensive first quarter. However, the game completely turned on its head in the second frame.

Findlay's offense exploded, netting ten goals over the 15-minute stretch to take a commanding 12-2 lead into the halftime break. That scoring outburst marks the most goals scored in a single quarter by the team since they poured in ten goals in the first quarter against Lake Erie on May 1, 2022.

The scoring slowed in the second half, but with the clock running due to a ten-goal differential, the Oilers rolled to victory.

Individually, junior Karissa Allbright led the offense with a game-high four goals, tying her career high.

Findlay's attack was balanced, with junior Rebecca Chmiel tallying two goals and a pair of assists. Sophomore Mylee Cain and freshman Ella Predina each found the back of the net twice, with Predina also adding a helper.

Sophomore keepers Caroline Weber and Josie Owens split time between the pipes, each playing 30 minutes. As the starter, Weber earned the win while Owens picked up the lone save.

The Oilers will look to keep their early-season momentum rolling when they return to action next Friday, Feb. 27, for a road matchup at D'Youville.