Northwestern
5-1
Syracuse
3-2
Lake Show Surges Past No. 6 Syracuse in 12-8 Triumph
2/25/2025 6:45:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Northwestern's No. 3-ranked Wildcats (5-1) continued their early-season dominance with a 12-8 victory over No. 6 Syracuse (3-2) on Tuesday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. Junior attacker Madison Taylor led the charge with five goals, including a third-quarter hat trick, marking her 17th straight game with three or more goals. Senior midfielder Sam Smith anchored the Wildcats' possession game with 10 draw controls. The match marked Northwestern's first victory at Syracuse since February 29, 2012.
Dome Sweet Dome ???? #CatsWin pic.twitter.com/lcNW901Uux
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) February 25, 2025
From the opening whistle, Northwestern set the tone offensively, with four different players finding the back of the net in the first quarter. Smith's dominance in the draw circle gave the Wildcats early possession, and the team capitalized with quick strikes to take control of the game. Northwestern's fast-paced, aggressive play overwhelmed Syracuse's zone defense, helping them build an early advantage.
Syracuse fought back in the second quarter, netting four unanswered goals. Graduate student Emma Ward and junior Emma Muchnick spearheaded the Orange offense, cutting Northwestern's lead to just two at halftime. Despite the Orange's surge, Northwestern's defense, led by sixth-year veteran Jane Hansen, kept the Wildcats in control. Hansen collected four ground balls and caused three turnovers, helping her team hold a 5-3 lead at the break.
The third quarter belonged to Madison Taylor, who delivered a hat trick—all from free-position opportunities. Her clinical finishing stretched Northwestern's lead, putting the Wildcats in firm control. The 'Cats, meanwhile, dominated the draw circle, winning 13 of 14 second-half draws, which ensured Syracuse had few chances to mount a comeback.
Syracuse pulled within two goals in the fourth quarter, but a timely turnover caused by Hansen led to an empty-net strike by Taylor, effectively putting the game out of reach. Graduate transfer goalkeeper Delaney Sweitzer was also crucial in securing the victory, making seven key saves against her former team.
First dub in the dome since 2012?? pic.twitter.com/czXvoLO7GQ
— Northwestern Lax (@NULax) February 25, 2025
Key Performances:
- Madison Taylor: 5 goals (including 3 in the third quarter), 1 assist, 3 draw controls
- Sam Smith: 1 goal, 10 draw controls
- Jane Hansen: 4 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers
- Riley Campbell: 1 goal, 2 ground balls
- Delaney Sweitzer: 7 saves
Next Up: The Wildcats continue their road trip with a matchup against Marquette on March 7. The game is set for 5 p.m. CT and will be streamed on FloCollege.
