Northwestern Wildcats: Chasing Glory in the NCAA Tournament
Evanston, Ill. – A New Chapter Begins
The No. 2 Northwestern Wildcats are on the brink of a thrilling journey in the NCAA Tournament, aiming for their ninth national title. This high-stakes encounter against No. 13 Michigan kicks off on Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. CT, inside the revered Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Northwestern’s Big Ten Brilliance
With a record of 13-6, the Wildcats recently celebrated their third consecutive Big Ten Tournament Championship. Their thrilling semifinal match against No. 9 Johns Hopkins showcased their tenacity. After overcoming an early 2-1 deficit, it was Madison Taylor who sparked momentum, putting the ‘Cats ahead with just 2:10 left in the first quarter. This set off a remarkable 5-0 scoring run, establishing a 6-2 lead just before halftime.
Niki Miles shone in this matchup, netting a staggering five goals, culminating in a season-high of six points. Taylor also played a pivotal role, contributing four goals and an assist.
Championship Drama Unfolds Against Maryland
The championship showdown against No. 7 Maryland was a stark contrast, featuring a much lower scoring battle. Northwestern dominated the shot charts with 41 attempts compared to Maryland’s 19 but initially struggled to convert. Trailing 5-2 at halftime, the Wildcats rallied with stunning resolve, closing out the match with a 6-1 run over the last 22:30.
Aditi Foster’s dramatic goals marked both the start and end of this comeback. Her second goal, netting with just 15 seconds remaining, proved to be the game-winner, sealing the victory in exhilarating fashion. Taylor, alongside fellow USA Lacrosse All-Americans — Sammy White, Jane Hansen, Sam Smith, and Delaney Sweitzer — earned spots on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team, with Hansen crowned Most Outstanding Player.
A Legacy of Excellence in NCAA History
The Wildcats boast an impressive 57-17 all-time record in the NCAA Tournament, underscoring their dominance under 2025 Big Ten Coach of the Year, Kelly Amonte Hiller. With eight national championships, including an unprecedented five consecutive titles from 2005 to 2009, and the recent 2023 triumph, Northwestern’s legacy is undeniably formidable. They’ve also reached the finals in two additional instances, finishing as national runners-up in 2010 and 2024. This year marks their 21st consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a streak that began in 2004.
Under Amonte Hiller’s guidance, the Wildcats have never lost in 33 NCAA Tournament games hosted in Evanston, showcasing an impeccable home postseason record. The last time they fell at home in the tournament was on May 6, 1987, against New Hampshire.
A Familiar Rivalry: Northwestern vs. Michigan
On Sunday, Northwestern square off against a familiar foe, Michigan (also 13-6). This showdown marks their second encounter in recent weeks, following a decisive 15-6 victory for the Wildcats on April 17 that clinched the Big Ten Conference Regular Season Championship. The Wildcats played to an exuberant crowd of 3,503, a program record!
The Wolverines advanced by defeating Mid-American Conference champion Akron by a score of 17-6. Historically, Northwestern has a commanding 16-0 record against Michigan, though recent matches have been tightly contested, with three of the last six games determined by a margin of three goals or fewer.
What’s Next?
The winner of this eagerly anticipated second-round match will proceed to the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 15, broadcasted on ESPNU, with the time to be determined. As the Wildcats gear up for this critical point in the season, one thing is for sure: they are not just vying for victory—they are playing for a legacy steeped in tradition and triumph.
For more detailed stats and updates on Northwestern’s lacrosse journey, visit Northwestern Sports.
This tournament is not just a series of games; it’s a testament to the Wildcats’ resilience and updated ambitions. Get ready, lacrosse fans! The chase for glory is on!
