Rapid Reaction: No. 6 Northwestern bests USC at “Lacrosse Day Chicago”

The stands of Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium were packed for Lacrosse Day in Chicago, and the Wildcats gave them a performance to write home about. No. 6 Northwestern (9-3, 3-1 B1G) stayed red hot on Saturday, taking down the USC Trojans (6-8, 0-6 B1G) 11-5 for its fourth win on the bounce.

Madison Taylor’s four goals and two assists were both game highs. Foster registered a hat trick and Kaylee Fravert’s three goals paced the Trojans. USC’s Hollis Mulry and Jaylen Rosga both had four ground balls, while Mulry’s four caused turnovers led the game.

Madison Smith’s seven draw controls were a game high. The first quarter went all NU’s way as the ’Cats scored early and often while dominating the draw control battle. The opening draw control landed in the stick of Kate Ratanaproeska, and the first-year attacker opened the scoring with a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner after Madison Taylor found her on a cut into the fan.

Shortly after, Noel Cumberland charged past two Trojan defenders to fire home the second goal of the game with 12:39 to go in the first quarter. The game slowed after its explosive start. NU turned the ball over on back-to-back offensive possessions, giving USC its first offensive opportunities.