Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
8-3 (2-1Big Ten)
#7 Johns Hopkins
10-3 (3-2Big Ten)
’Cats Knock Off No. 7 Johns Hopkins 16-12 in Big Ten Clash
3/29/2026 4:17:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. — Senior attackers Madison Taylor and Maddie Epke combined for 13 points as No. 11 Northwestern knocked off No. 7 Johns Hopkins 16-12 on Sunday afternoon inside Ryan Fieldhouse.
"We had great moments, and we played with heart and aggression throughout the game," Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. "We're still building. All credit to Johns Hopkins. They came in and played incredibly hard from the beginning to the end."
SUNDAY DUB ? #CatsWin pic.twitter.com/MDr2S3NWfl
— Northwestern Lacrosse (@NULax) March 29, 2026
The Wildcats (8-3, 2-1 Big Ten) extended their winning streak to three games and picked up their fifth ranked victory of the season. NU has now won its past 12 meetings with the Blue Jays (10-3, 3-2 Big Ten).
Taylor led all scorers with six goals. The NCAA's career goals leader among active players, Taylor advanced to eighth all-time in the Division I goals leaderboard, extending her career tally to 299 goals.
Epke posted a season-high seven points (five goals, two assists). The senior pulled down six draw controls and eclipsed the 150 career goal mark in the win. Epke buried five of her six shot attempts.
"We have such a talented group of offensive players who just push me and have so much belief in me," Epke said. "Any day can be my day or anyone else's. I'm just happy to be part of this amazing group."
Junior midfielder Noel Cumberland chipped in two goals and an assist. The Fallston, Md., native has amassed six points in the past two games.
Graduate student midfielder Annabel Child, graduate student attacker Olivia Adamson and junior attacker Taylor Lapointe each added a goal.
Sophomore attacker Aditi Foster, first-year midfielder Kate Ratanaproeksa and senior midfielder Lucy Munro all turned in a pair of assists. Eleven of NU's 16 goals were assisted.
Graduate student goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco recorded 11 saves on a 47.8% save percentage. Cuocco has racked up double digit saves in back-to-back games.
Redshirt junior midfielder Jaylen Rosga, sophomore defender Mary Carroll and redshirt sophomore midfielder Madi Smith each tied for a team-high two caused turnovers.
"I'm really proud of our defense," Carroll said. "We go from zone to man so seamlessly. We've talked through where we can be better and are seeing the improvement on the field."
Smith led all 'Cats with seven draw controls, helping NU win the draw battle 16-14.
Early on, the game proved a back-and-forth battle, with the two teams knotted at 4-4 after 15 minutes of action. The Wildcats carried an 8-7 lead into halftime following a last-minute Cumberland goal. From there, the hosts never relinquished their advantage.
A 4-1 third-quarter run helped Northwestern extend the margin to 13-8. While Johns Hopkins cut the lead to three goals just over a minute into the final quarter, the 'Cats remained in control as they locked up their second conference win in 2026.
"Our third quarter was really strong, and we were really winning those 50-50 balls and kind of taking over," Amonte Hiller said.
The Wildcats will return to action at home against USC on Saturday, April 4. Opening draw from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium for Lacrosse Day in Chicago is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
