Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
#20 Colorado
Wildcats Ready for Mile-High Showdown in Boulder
2/21/2024 10:16:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Evanston, Ill. - The Lake Show is gearing up for a mile high showdown against the Colorado Buffaloes in what promises to be an exciting matchup at Kittredge Field on Thursday at 12 p.m. CT (TV: PAC-12 NETWORKS).
Head Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller and the No. 4 ranked Northwestern Wildcats are primed to take on the No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes after a showstopping performance against Marquette Monday night. The 'Cats head into this game with a 2-1 record and look to lock in their first road victory in Boulder.
The 'Cats enter the game with a rich history of success against the Buffs, having secured victories in 3 out of the 4 previous encounters. While the two haven't met since 2018, the 'Cats are searching for their first win at Kittredge Field.
Key players to watch for the Wildcats include Izzy Scane, who is just 4 goals short of reaching the 300-goal milestone, and Erin Coykendall, ranked 5th in the nation in assists. The dynamic duo, both named Tewaratton award finalists in 2023, have combined for a total of 16 goals and 13 assists on the season.
Another 'Cat to look out for is sophomore Madison Taylor who has 15 points (10 goals and 5 assists) in 3 games this season. The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year is an offensive powerhouse who is sure to cause headaches for Colorado's defense.
Notably, Colorado Assistant Coach Nicole Beardsley spent three seasons as the Lake Show's Director of Operations at Northwestern. The Wildcats made two Final Four appearances (2019, 2021) and claimed the 2019 Big Ten Tournament championship during her time with the team. Northwestern finished ranked in the top 10 in all three seasons.
Beardsley graduated from Northwestern in 2018. In her four-year lacrosse career, the Wildcats advanced to two Big Ten Tournament finals and made the NCAA Tournament each season. Northwestern went as far as the Elite Eight in both 2015 and 2018.
Beardsley scored a career-high 19 goals as both a junior and a senior and finished with 41 goals in her 52 games. 2018 was her best statistical season, adding a career-high nine assists to give her 28 points. Over her career, Beardsley was an All-Big Ten Tournament selection, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a member of the team leadership group.
As the Wildcats prepare to face off against the Buffaloes, they remain focused and determined to balance their strengths as a team and secure a pivotal victory on the road.
