HOLLAND, Mich. -- The Grove City College women's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season Friday evening by dropping a 10-9 decision at Hope in non-conference play at Van Andel Stadium. Grove City rallied from an early deficit to lead 9-8 in the fourth quarter. However, Hope scored twice in the final minute to pull out the win.

Junior midfielder Jess Robinette (Mohnton, Pa./Twin Valley), junior attack Gwen Shilling (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) and freshman midfielder Maddie LaForte (Waterford, Conn./Waterford) all scored twice for the Wolverines (0-1). Senior attacks Grace Forry (Lancaster, Pa./Hempfield) and Jackie Rowell (Laurel, Md./Reservoir) both scored, as did junior midfielder Tori Stevenson (Butler, Pa./Butler).

Hope jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter but Shilling and LaForte both scored twice to help the Wolverines forge a 5-5 halftime tie. Robinette gave Grove City its first lead, 8-7, by scoring twice in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter. 

Forry's power play goal with 8:29 left gave Grove City a 9-8 lead. Hope's Ireland Brown and Caleigh Randall both scored in the final 46 seconds to put the hosts ahead.

Stevenson recorded two assists while LaForte, Robinette and sophomore midfielder Mia Mygatt (Silver Spring, Md./Brookewood) all added an assist.

Hope held a 24-17 edge in total shots, including a 16-11 margin in shots on goal. Grove City committed 23 turnovers. Hope had 21 turnovers. 

Robinette and sophomore defender Reagan Thomas (Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan) both picked up three ground balls. Mygatt, Robinette and freshman defender Gabri Hallam (Buffalo, N.Y./Clarence) all caused two turnovers. 

Senior goalie Mia Gallagher (Mogadore, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban) made seven saves for the Wolverines. 

Grove City will visit Calvin at 1 p.m. Saturday to conclude the team's season-opening weekend trip to Michigan.