Northwestern University Women’s Lacrosse: A Triumph in Columbus
Ohio State Showdown Sees Wildcats Conclude Perfect Conference Campaign
In a thrilling encounter in Columbus, Ohio, the No. 3 ranked Northwestern Wildcats showcased their offensive prowess, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 20-12. This victory is a testament to their dominance in the Big Ten, finishing the conference season undefeated with an impressive 8-0 record for the third time since 2023.
A Stellar Performance by Madisont Taylor and Team
At the heart of this commanding win was Madison Taylor, who led the scoring machine with an astonishing nine points—six goals and three assists. Taylor concluded her regular season with a national-leading 83 goals, a remarkable achievement that underscores her exceptional talent and athleticism.
Alongside her, teammates Niki Miles and Riley Campbell also made significant contributions, each netting four goals. This offensive onslaught not only sealed the game but marked the fourth time this season that Northwestern has scored 20 or more goals in a match, with their earlier highs including a staggering 20-5 victory against then-No. 25 Colorado on February 21.
Control and Strategy: Key to Victory
The Wildcats displayed impressive control over the game, outpacing Ohio State with a 22-13 advantage in draw controls. Ohio State did manage to maintain a slight edge in ground balls, collecting 17 compared to Northwestern’s 13. Notably, Sam Smith emerged as a standout performer in the draw control department, leading all players with nine draw controls while adding an assist to her tally.
Defensively, Jaylen Rosga tied for the game high with three caused turnovers, and her hustle resulted in three ground balls, solidifying Northwestern’s defensive stance. In goal, Delaney Sweitzer demonstrated her skills with nine crucial saves, affirming her position as the backbone of the team’s defense.
Game Highlights: A Rollercoaster Ride
The showdown began with Ohio State making an early statement as Leah Sax scored while they had a player advantage just 1:25 into the game. However, the Wildcats responded with poise. After Riley Campbell leveled the score with just over five minutes to go in the first quarter, Sammy White quickly followed up, converting a free position attempt to take the lead.
The lead would continue to shift as Ohio State’s Kate Tyack brought the score even once more. But the Wildcats quickly pulled ahead with a flurry of goals from various players, turning a tight matchup into a 6-2 lead with just over three minutes left in the first quarter.
By halftime, despite Ohio State’s best efforts to narrow the gap, Taylor and Campbell’s late goals left Northwestern with a 10-7 advantage going into the break.
The second half opened with more action as Taylor Lapointe quickly scored, but Ohio State fought back with Sax’s goal keeping them within striking distance. As the game unfolded, Northwestern shifted into high gear, with Campbell completing her hat trick followed by three straight goals from Taylor, solidifying an insurmountable 15-8 lead with less than four minutes left in the third quarter.
Looking Ahead: Big Ten Tournament Awaits
With this decisive victory, Northwestern (14-2 overall) is poised for the Big Ten Tournament, receiving a bye to the semifinal round on April 25, where they will face the winner of the April 23 quarterfinal matchup between the tournament’s fourth and fifth seeds. The tournament will take place at the prestigious Maryland Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in College Park, Maryland.
The Wildcats have not only solidified their reputation in the conference but also positioned themselves as formidable contenders for the upcoming championship. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far Northwestern can go this postseason, especially with players like Taylor, Miles, and Campbell leading the charge.
For detailed stats and information regarding Northwestern’s women’s lacrosse schedule and player profiles, visit the official Northwestern Sports website.
Final Thoughts
As the Wildcats gear up for what promises to be an exciting tournament run, their undefeated conference season is just the beginning. With their dynamic offense and resilient defense, Northwestern is ready to make a significant impact on the road to the championship. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new supporter, one thing is clear: this season is one for the books!
