Lake Show Dismantles No. 4 Maryland in Statement Win
3/22/2025 5:06:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 3 Northwestern (8-1, 2-0) came out firing and never let up, steamrolling No. 4 Maryland (6-2, 2-1) in a decisive 16-4 victory. The Wildcats secured their first top-five win of the season while holding the Terrapins to just four goals—the fewest Maryland has scored in series history since 1985. Northwestern's defense suffocated the Terps, forcing 15 caused turnovers and scooping up 25 ground balls. Seven different Wildcats found the back of the net, with Niki Miles, Riley Campbell, and Sam Smith each notching hat tricks.
Northwestern's defense delivered a dominant performance, holding a top-five opponent to its lowest goal total against the Wildcats since a 15-4 win over No. 4 Syracuse in the 2022 NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. First-year standout Mary Carroll anchored the defensive effort with four ground balls and five caused turnovers, continuing her stellar debut season as a fixture in the Wildcats' backline.
With the win, Northwestern extended its winning streak to six games and secured its eighth consecutive Big Ten victory. The Wildcats return to action on Thursday, March 27, at 7 PM CT against No. 2 North Carolina at Ryan Fieldhouse, with live coverage on Big Ten Network. Get Tickets Here
Miles wasted no time opening the scoring in the first minute with an 8-meter strike, followed quickly by Campbell's first of four goals on the day. The duo continued their offensive onslaught, propelling the Wildcats to a 4-0 lead within the first four minutes. Maryland's Kori Edmondson managed to get the visitors on the board, but Northwestern responded with six straight goals and closed the first quarter up 8-1.TERP TAKEDOWN ???? #CATSWIN pic.twitter.com/VhR37Npw9f
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) March 22, 2025
The second quarter was no different, as Northwestern's relentless attack added three more goals while the defense held Maryland to just one. Miles and Campbell both completed their hat tricks before halftime, giving the Wildcats a commanding 11-2 lead at the break. Campbell, a Madison, N.J., native, now ranks second on the team with 18 goals and 28 points, with Miles close behind at 27 points.2? 'Cats with 2? goals a piece... We're 4 minutes in.
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) March 22, 2025
STAY HOT 'CATS ?????? pic.twitter.com/GSapFSn8bX
After halftime, junior Madison Taylor joined the scoring. With two goals and three assists, Taylor surpassed the 250-career-point milestone while extending her season totals to 47 goals, 19 assists, and 64 points. Sam Smith netted her second goal of the day, and Northwestern's defense continued to stifle Maryland, limiting the Terps to just one goal in the third quarter.That's 3? for Riley! ?????? pic.twitter.com/nkvfwcX28O
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) March 22, 2025
The final period saw Smith complete her hat trick while competing in the draw circle with a team-high six draw controls. Sophomore Taylor Lapointe capped the matchup with a stylish behind-the-back goal in the closing seconds, sealing the 16-4 victory.T-TIME ?
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) March 22, 2025
??has entered the chat! pic.twitter.com/YYUurfRJQE
Northwestern's defense delivered a dominant performance, holding a top-five opponent to its lowest goal total against the Wildcats since a 15-4 win over No. 4 Syracuse in the 2022 NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. First-year standout Mary Carroll anchored the defensive effort with four ground balls and five caused turnovers, continuing her stellar debut season as a fixture in the Wildcats' backline.
Key Performances:It was the fewest goals allowed by Northwestern against a top-5 opponent since the 2022 NCAA Tournament ??#B1GWLax pic.twitter.com/HibXyoAzjJ
— Big Ten Lacrosse (@B1GLacrosse) March 22, 2025
- Riley Campbell: 4 goals, 1 assist
- Madison Taylor: 2 goals, 3 assists, 2 draw controls, 8 ground balls, 2 caused turnovers
- Niki Miles: 3 goals, 2 assists, 1 caused turnover
- Sam Smith: 3 goals, 6 draw controls
- Taylor Lapointe: 2 goals, 1 assist
- Mary Carroll: 4 ground balls, 5 caused turnovers
With the win, Northwestern extended its winning streak to six games and secured its eighth consecutive Big Ten victory. The Wildcats return to action on Thursday, March 27, at 7 PM CT against No. 2 North Carolina at Ryan Fieldhouse, with live coverage on Big Ten Network. Get Tickets Here
Team Stats
UMD
NU
Shots
20
31
Turnovers
21
13
Caused Turnovers
10
15
Draw Controls
14
9
Free-Position Shots
5
4
Ground Balls
13
25
Game Leaders
Players
Players Mentioned
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