Three keys for Northwestern lacrosse’s second-round clash vs No. 22 James Madison
Another game, another upset-minded mid-major to fend off.
ANN ARBOR, MI - April 26: Jenika Cuocco #23 of the Northwestern Wildcats is handed the Most Outstanding Player trophy in the Big Ten Tournament after defeating the Maryland Terrapins in overtime of the Big Ten Women's Lacrosse final on April 26, 2026 at U-M Lacrosse Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Paul Barnick/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images). In the preseason, nobody circled James Madison on Northwestern’s calendar.
Why would they? The Dukes were unranked. The schedule featured the likes of North Carolina, Maryland and Boston College.
Turns out nobody told JMU they weren’t supposed to be here. Shelley Klaes brought her No. 22 Dukes to Martin Stadium and ended up crafting a stunning 13-12 comeback win over Notre Dame in the first round on Friday.
James Madison erased a five-goal deficit, held the Irish scoreless for over 20 minutes and watched Payton Root bury a behind-the-back game-winner that will live on highlight reels for years. Now they face No. 1 Northwestern.
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