No. 2 Northwestern lacrosse, riding a six-game win streak, is set to host No. 22 Rutgers at Northwestern Medicine Field. The Wildcats (11-3, 5-1 Big Ten) recently defeated top teams Maryland and Penn State and seek to clinch at least a share of the Big Ten title with victories in their final two regular-season games. Northwestern has had an impressive season with seven wins over ranked opponents, tying their regular-season record since 2018. This matchup marks their ninth against a ranked team this year, showcasing their dominance in the conference.

By the Numbers
  • Northwestern leads the Big Ten in draw controls per game with 17 and a scoring margin of 6.21 goals per game.
  • Madison Taylor has 436 career points, ranking first among all active NCAA Division I players.
  • Jenika Cuocco has 699 career saves, leading active players; one save will put her in the 700-save club.
State of Play
  • Northwestern is tied for first in the Big Ten standings with Maryland, with a chance to clinch the regular-season title.
  • Rutgers is on a roll, winning five of its last six games, including an upset of then-No. 12 Michigan.
What's Next

The Wildcats will face No. 11 Michigan on April 18 for their regular-season finale, which could further impact their standing and playoff positioning.

Bottom Line

Northwestern's impressive run this season, combined with their potential to secure the Big Ten title, underscores their status as a powerhouse in women's lacrosse. Maintaining this momentum against Rutgers will be crucial for their title aspirations.