Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
12-3, 6-1Big Ten
#22 Rutgers
10-6, 4-3Big Ten
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Northwestern | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 18 |
No. 2 Northwestern Outduels No. 22 Rutgers 18-6
4/15/2026 7:36:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. — No. 2 Northwestern picked up a decisive 18-6 win over No. 22 Rutgers in its penultimate regular season game in Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
With the result, the Wildcats (12-3, 6-1 Big Ten) extended their winning streak to seven games. NU has now beaten eight ranked opponents in 2026, its most regular season ranked victories since 2013 (10). The 'Cats turned in their most prolific scoring output in Big Ten play this year.
"Today was a good day," Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. "We've struggled to be really dominant at home. We've been talking a lot about wanting to do that. Obviously coming off those two games on the East Coast, those games were real battles."
Business Handled ?? #CatsWin pic.twitter.com/AJsDJ9xOWX
— Northwestern Lacrosse (@NULax) April 15, 2026
Senior attacker Madison Taylor netted a game-high six goals and dished out two assists. She tallied four draw controls, two ground balls and a caused turnover.
The No. 1 selection in Wednesday night's PLL College Draft, Taylor leads the Big Ten in goals (74) and points (100) this season.
"We're just doing a great job of playing together and focusing on what we're doing — whether we're going up against a man or a zone," Taylor said. "We've been doing a better job each game of just getting better each game and not taking a step back offensively."
Sophomore attacker Aditi Foster posted four points (three goals, one assist). Foster has scored 11 goals in her past four games. Junior attacker Taylor Lapointe chipped in two goals and two assists. Junior midfielder Noel Cumberland buried a career-high three goals, extending her points streak to a career-best 13 games.
Senior attacker Maddie Epke, junior attacker Lauren Archer, redshirt first-year attacker Jenna Soto and first-year attacker Gabriella McCollester each recorded goals.
"It's a great unit," Amonte Hiller said of the offense. "What really stood out to me is that they were really sharing the ball, making each other look good. It wasn't perfect, but overall, they were really sharing the ball and finishing their shots."
In a standout defensive effort, graduate student goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco racked up 10 saves on an 66.7 % save percentage. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Cuocco has eight games with a 50% save percentage or higher this season.
Amonte Hiller credited her defense with showing significant improvement from game to game.
"It's been a little bit to get us there, and it's really cool to see the younger players gaining their confidence and just going out there and doing their thing," Amonte Hiller said. "Our defense is pretty dynamic. We can play different styles, and we've done that all season. Whatever is needed, we're ready to do it."
Redshirt sophomore defender Madison Smith and Epke helped the 'Cats build a 14-9 advantage on draw controls. Epke corralled a team-high five draw controls in the win. Smith tallied five ground balls and three caused turnovers, while pulling down three draw controls.
The Wildcats will return to action at No. 11 Michigan on Saturday, April 18. Opening draw from Ann Arbor, Mich., is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
With a win, Northwestern would secure at least a share of the Big Ten regular season title, which would mark its fourth consecutive regular season conference championship.
