Rapid Reaction: Northwestern stomps James Madison in NCAA Second Round
An offensive avalanche powered the ‘Cats to victory.
No. 1 Northwestern flexed its offensive prowess with a dominant 17-5 win over No. 22 James Madison in a Mother’s Day battle on Sunday afternoon.
Under a partly cloudy sky at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, the ‘Cats showcased why they entered the NCAA Tournament as its top seed. NU extended its winning streak to 11 games, along with its streak of 22 straight NCAA tournament appearances with at least one victory. Madison Taylor scored a season-high eight goals on 13 shots, including netting a hat trick in the first quarter alone.
Aditi Foster added four goals, while Noel Cumberland had two. The ‘Cats forced 12 turnovers from JMU and had 26 shots on target, compared to just 12 for the Dukes. It was a high-scoring first quarter for NU as its offense came out aggressive early.
Maddie Epke won the draw to start, and both teams exchanged attacks looking for a fast start. NU drew first blood, as Madison Taylor dished a nice shot from Taylor Lapointe to put the ‘Cats up 1-0 just three minutes into the first quarter. Another possession from JMU was shut down by NU after Cuocco forced a turnover.
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