The Marquette University women’s lacrosse team faced a challenging battle on Friday night, falling to the No. 3 Northwestern Wildcats with a score of 19-9 at Valley Fields in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles showcased talent and determination, especially in the later stages of the game.
Valiant Efforts Shine Through
Throughout the match, several Marquette players made remarkable contributions. Meg Bireley, one of the standout players, not only reached a personal milestone by recording her 400th career shot but also secured her sixth hat trick of the season. This achievement reflects her dedication and skill on the field, making her a key player for the Golden Eagles.
Strong Defensive Moves
Another noteworthy performance came from Marquette’s goalie, Brynna Nixon, who made an impressive 11 saves. This was her second consecutive game where she achieved over ten saves, demonstrating her crucial role in protecting the goal. Additionally, Addyson Graham achieved a career-high by causing two turnovers, which helped Marquette gain some momentum during the match.
Northwestern’s Offensive Power
The Northwestern Wildcats showed remarkable offensive strength throughout the game. Madison Taylor dominated the scoreboard with a staggering eight goals, highlighting her abilities as a standout player. With strong contributions from teammates like Sam Smith, who secured a whopping 14 draw controls, Northwestern built a solid lead by halftime, going ahead 13-5.
A Glimpse of Hope
Even as the game unfolded unfavorably, Marquette managed to outscore Northwestern in the second half, ending that period 6-4. This resilience displayed by the Golden Eagles shows their fighting spirit, as they continue to push through challenges on the field.
Upcoming Matches
Despite the tough loss, Marquette is looking forward to their next match against the University of Colorado Boulder, set to take place on March 11th. This will be an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to showcase their skills and continue to build on their strengths. Fans are eager to see how the team utilizes the lessons learned from this recent game.
| Player | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Meg Bireley | 400 career shots, 6 hat tricks this season |
| Brynna Nixon | 11 saves, 2nd consecutive game with 10+ saves |
| Addyson Graham | Career-high 2 caused turnovers |
| Madison Taylor (Northwestern) | 8 goals in the match |
With the upcoming match, Marquette fans are hopeful that the team will bounce back stronger, learning from their experiences against one of the nation’s top teams. The determination and resilience shown by the Golden Eagles signal exciting times ahead for the team this season.
