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Northwestern lacrosse kicked off conference play with a commanding 16-7 win over Michigan at Martin Stadium on Friday.
The Wildcats (6-3, 1-0 B1G) built a 5-2 lead over Michigan in the opening 15 minutes and only improved from there. Sheila Nesselbush notched a hat trick and two assists to lead Northwestern in the goal tally. Selena Lasota, Danita Stroup, Megan Kinna and Ally Horn all scored two goals. The Wildcats entered the half up 9-4 and kept the pressure on before finally winning 16-7. Northwestern went on a 7-0 run at one point and was never troubled.
No. 11 Northwestern bounced back nicely from last week’s 18-13 loss to UNC. Northwestern’s defense was particularly impressive. Michigan was stuck at four goals for the game well into the second half, allowing Northwestern to cruise to victory. First-year keeper Julie Krupnick made 7 saves and left after 47 minutes with just those 4 goals allowed. Michigan was just completely overmatched on both sides of the field.
Northwestern will next face No. 7 Syracuse at Martin Stadium on March 26 at 1 p.m. That will be a big test for Northwestern, which is still looking for a second top ten win this season after two straight defeats to Stony Brook and UNC.