Northwestern
6-1 (0-0Big Ten)
Marquette
4-2 (0-0BIG EAST)
Taylor’s Career-High 8 Goals Power Wildcats to Victory Over Marquette
3/7/2025 8:21:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – No. 3 Northwestern (6-1) weathered an early back-and-forth battle to secure a decisive 19-9 win over Marquette (4-2) on Friday night at Valley Fields Dome. Powered by a career-high eight goals from Madison Taylor and a dominant 14 draw controls from Sam Smith, the Wildcats (6-1) gradually pulled away as the game progressed. Despite a strong start from the Golden Eagles , Northwestern's offensive depth and control in the draw circle proved to be the difference.
Taylor was a standout on both ends of the field, netting six goals in the first half as Northwestern built a commanding 13-5 lead by halftime. In addition to her scoring, she collected five ground balls, caused three turnovers, and contributed four draw controls. The nation's leading point-scorer now has 39 goals and 50 points on the season.
Marquette struck first with an early goal from Tess Osburn, but Northwestern quickly answered. Taylor scored her first of the night on a free position shot to even the score at 1-1. The teams exchanged goals in a tightly contested opening stretch, with Riley Campbell and Niki Miles also adding to the Wildcats' tally.
With the score tied at 3-3 midway through the first quarter, Northwestern began to take control. Taylor scored twice more before the period's end, sparking a 5-1 run that gave the Wildcats a 6-4 advantage heading into the second quarter.
Side shot, straight to net! Hannah notches one! pic.twitter.com/ASr2KidMzn
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) March 8, 2025
The Wildcats controlled the game in the second half, with Hannah Rudolph breaking the scoring drought midway through the third quarter. Taylor then added two more goals, setting a new career high. Northwestern's strong play in the draw circle, led by Sam Smith and Taylor, kept the Golden Eagles from finding any rhythm.
Smith's impact in the draw circle was key, as the Wildcats won 22 of 31 draws, maintaining possession throughout the game. Marquette's Tess Osburn recorded a hat trick, and Meg Bireley contributed two goal and two assists, but the Golden Eagles couldn't match Northwestern's offensive output.
All three Wildcats goalkeepers saw action, combining for 8 saves. Defensively, Northwestern secured 23 ground balls.
Key Performances:
- Madison Taylor: 8 goals, 5 ground balls, 2 caused turnovers, 4 draw controls
- Sam Smith: 14 draw controls (tied career high)
- Niki Miles: 2 goals, 1 assist
- Riley Campbell: 2 goals, 2 assists
- Lucy Munro: 2 goals
Northwestern will return to action with Big Ten play on March 16, hosting Penn State at Ryan Fieldhouse at 1 p.m. The game will be available for streaming on B1G+, and tickets can be purchased here: Tickets.
