Northwestern University’s lacrosse team, led by Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller, staged a remarkable comeback in their semifinal match against Boston College, triumphing 12-11 amid challenging weather conditions at Gillette Stadium. Entering the fourth quarter 11-6 down, the No. 3 Wildcats (19-2, 8-0 Big Ten) rallied to secure their spot in the national championship for the third consecutive year.
Amonte Hiller, drenched but determined, encouraged her players to remain focused, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and heart over doubt. “Throughout a game, you can kind of get into your head… You have to get out of your head and into your heart,” she stated. With a determined mindset, NU scored six unanswered goals in the final quarter.
Junior attacker Madison Taylor led the way, scoring four goals and making four assists, solidifying her place in NCAA history by breaking the single-season scoring record with a total of 109 goals. The team not only displayed impressive offensive prowess but also strong defensive play, particularly from graduate goalkeeper Delaney Sweitzer, who made crucial saves in the final minutes.
The match showcased a thrilling turn of events. After being outscored 4-0 in the third quarter, the Wildcats found themselves trailing. However, goals from Lucy Munro, Taylor, Aditi Foster, and Riley Campbell propelled them back into contention. Taylor’s determination and leadership helped shift the momentum, culminating in Sam Smith’s go-ahead goal that secured the Wildcats’ lead.
As they prepare to face top-seeded North Carolina for the national title, the camaraderie and support within the Wildcats’ locker room remains palpable. Amonte Hiller noted, “This team really loves each other, a lot,” a sentiment echoed by the players as they celebrate their journey together.
This promising victory sets the stage for an exciting showdown in the national championship, where Northwestern aims for its ninth title. The resilience and teamwork displayed could inspire further success, providing hope and anticipation for fans and players alike as they strive to achieve greatness once more.