Northwestern
12-0
Rutgers
6-8
'Cats Advance to Big Ten Lacrosse Championship
4/30/2021 6:30:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
STATE COLLEGE, Penn. – The Wildcats dominated Rutgers in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, 24-14.
Erin Coykendall ran the Northwestern offense flawlessly, passing off a career-high nine assists. Eight different 'Cats found the back of the net, led by Sammy Mueller who tied her career high with six goals. Lauren Gilbert and Lindsey McKone followed with five and four respectively. Leah Holmes also earned a hat trick, all of which came in the second half.
Northwestern's defense was unstoppable, causing 12 turnovers and holding Rutgers to a 0.65 clear percentage. Madison Doucette finished the day with eight saves and Logan Lillie chipped in two of her own to hold Rutgers scoreless for the final six minutes.
Rutgers found the back of the net first, but Northwestern quickly responded with three goals from McKone, Taylor Pinzone and Mueller. The Scarlet Knights followed with their own 4-0 run to regain the lead. Gilbert wasn't having it and cut down the middle of the fan for a quick shot. Izzy Scane scored next and tied things up with an unassisted cannon from the left side, spurring a 6-0 run.
Mueller and Pinzone ended the half with two goals apiece while McKone and Gilbert each completed a hat trick. Defense was also on display in the first half, the 'Cats held the Scarlet Knights to just 7 of 14 in clears. Doucette held things down in the goal with four saves and two ground balls. Rutgers snuck in a few goals here and there but Northwestern commanded a strong 11-7 lead going into the second half.
The Scarlet Knights came out of halftime firing, tying things up quickly. Mueller found a response and grabbed two goals to complete her hat trick and regain the lead. Scane and Gilbert followed with big free position goals to extend the Wildcat advantage. Holmes also grabbed a free position goal with 12 minutes left, spurring a 5-0 run capped off by two more goals from Mueller. Carleigh Mahoney scored her first career goal to set the clock running and take the game away from Rutgers.
Northwestern will return to the field on Sunday for the Big Ten Tournament championship game. The draw is set for 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network.
