Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
13-4, 5-1
#13 Rutgers
15-3, 4-2
Northwestern Falls in Big Ten Tournament at Rutgers, 13-5
5/6/2022 9:38:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In a torrential downpour, No. 5 Northwestern fell in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals at No. 13 Rutgers, 13-5, on Friday night inside SHI Stadium.
Jill Girardi led the Wildcats (13-4) by scoring two goals and recording four draw controls. Lauren Gilbert, Hannah Johnson and Brennan Dwyer each added a goal apiece.
Girardi played well early in the opening stanza, pulling down the first draw control and converting on a free position attempt on the ensuing possession. Gilbert added a free position goal of her own to grab a 2-1 lead, but the Scarlet Knights quickly responded and never trailed the remainder of the game.
Rutgers (15-3) extended its lead by outscoring NU 4-1 in both the second and third quarters. Cassidy Spilis tallied a game-high five goals for the Scarlett Knights. Madison Doucette faced 19 shots on goal and made six saves.
The Wildcats saw their four-game Big Ten Tournament win streak snapped fell to 16-1 all-time against Rutgers.
Northwestern will need to earn an at-large berth to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The 29-team women's tournament field will be unveiled on selection show at 8 p.m. CT on Sunday, May 8, on ESPNU.
