Lacrosse Cruises Past Butler with Balanced Attack, 13-9

Sunday, March 8

Indianapolis, Ind.

Noon

Central Michigan University

1-6

Butler

2-5

Central Mich.

Butler

Photo by: Harrison LaLone

3/8/2026 2:51:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

Barratt’s first hat trick of the season leads nine Chippewa scorers, 11 saves from Kahler; Vahle marks first win as interim coach

By: Harrison LaLone

INDIANAPOLIS – Central Michigan Lacrosse took down Butler to conclude its seven-game, season-opening road gauntlet Sunday afternoon at Varsity Field to tally its first win of 2026.

"I'm happy for the girls," interim Head Coach Katie Vahle said. "They really needed to get something positive under their belts to be able to fully come through everything they've been through, and it was a really good win."

Nine Chippewas found the back of the net—the most since April 8, 2023 (vs. Akron: W, 21-9)—led by the second career hat trick for senior Kelsey Barratt (Voorhees, N.J. / Eastern).

"Everybody really relied on each other. Our big thing today was trusting each other and making the best opportunities for your team."

Sophomore Caye Kalbacher (Austin, Texas / Stephen F. Austin) and freshman Mia Bradley (Orchard Park, N.Y. / Orchard Park), the team's top two in points this season, led the way with four points apiece.

Leila Kahler (Spring Lake, Mich. / Spring Lake) put on a show with 11 saves—seven in the second half—and a .550 save rate over 20 shots on goal from the Bulldogs. The senior was a key factor in the result as Butler only faced one more on-target but ceded 13 Chippewa goals.

"She was huge for us today. I think today was her best game so far and the best she's felt."

Bradley and junior Anna Farrar (Milton, Ga. / Cambridge) joined Barratt as multi-goal scorers as each notched a pair. Farrar's performance comes after hat tricks in back-to-back appearances to mark eight goals in her last three games.

The Chippewas won the draw circle for the first time this season, thanks to the efforts of draw specialist Alyssa Lowe (Plainfield, Ill. / North) and a game-high six draw controls from Ava Regitz (Marietta, Ga. / Blessed Trinity).

Vahle marked her first win at the helm in just her second attempt after being named to the post Thursday morning.

"It's surreal, it still hasn't set in yet. I'm honestly just happy for the girls, they deserved this more than anybody."

The road-weary Central Michigan lacrosse team finally opens up the home schedule Saturday (March 14, Noon ET) as it hosts Robert Morris, and the start of the Mid-American Conference season.

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