Lacrosse Recap: No. 2 Northwestern pummels No. 22 Rutgers in dominant win
Northwestern’s eight victory over a ranked team.
No. 2 Northwestern lacrosse delivered its highest-scoring performance in Big Ten play this season, overwhelming Rutgers 18-6 at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The ‘Cats (12-3, 6-1 B1G) extended their win streak to seven games, including three straight against ranked teams, and earned their second victory of the season outside on the lakefront.
Unlike the ‘Cats’ most recent contests, which were far more contentious, this game was pure dominance by Northwestern from beginning to end, as the ‘Cats won every quarter over Rutgers (10-6, 4-3 B1G) by at least two goals. Madison Taylor, who was the No. 1 pick in the PLL College Draft on Wednesday, scored six goals and added two assists and four draw controls, while Aditi Foster added three goals.
Although the offensive onslaught was the primary story, Jenika Cuocco did a strong job in goal, recording 10 stops with a 66. 7% save percentage. The ‘Cats jumped out to an early 4-0 lead over the first 12 minutes, with a coast-to-coast goal from Noel Cumberland opening the scoring three minutes in.
Madison Taylor, the Big Ten’s leading goal scorer, added her first score of the afternoon, before Cumberland netted her second while splitting two defenders. Maddie Epke scored the fourth goal on a deflection in front of the crease. Cumberland comin' in HOT 🔥 pic.