The Wildcats lacrosse stifle a mid-game Blue Jays rally to secure the NCAA Final return against UNC.
Despite facing a challenging pushback with a large advantage, the top-tier Wildcats denied the possible embarrassment on their home turf.
On Friday's NCAA D1 Women's Lacrosse Semifinals, Northwestern defended the "Lake Show" identity and cruised with the momentum toward the Final after a 16-11 victory over No. 4 Johns Hopkins. Though the Blue Jays tightened the gap to four goals in the mid-third quarter, the ‘Cats withstood the pressure and pulled away with a convincing win.
The 'Cats will play No. 2 North Carolina on Sunday at the same turf and have a chance to crown in front of the Wildcats' supporters.
"Today was just a really special day for our program. I can't thank everyone enough that has done everything to get this championship here," Northwestern coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. "Today was like a day that we will remember forever, and just to have another opportunity to play in that environment, we're just really blessed and grateful."
Madison Taylor led the way with four goals, four assists and four caused turnovers. Maddie Epke also contributed four goals with two assists and six draw controls. Madison Smith dominated with nine draw controls. Taylor Lepointe posted a career-high seven points (two goals with a career-high five assists). The ‘Cats forced the opponents to a season-high 18 turnovers.
Paige Willard threw the first punch for the Blue Jays from the right wing, breaking off defense with a swing over Northwestern goalie Jennika Cuocco's coverage.
After Taylor forced a turnover from JHU's Lacey Downey, Annabel Child capitalized but hit the post. Following Taylor Hoss' free-position miss, Northwestern tied the score when Taylor converted on the counter.
The 'Cats took the lead after carving out space for Aditi Foster, who juked with a feint in front of two defenders and found the lane for a finish. Lapointe delivered her second assist of the game.
Northwestern then built momentum with more goals while the opponents remained dormant. Though the Blue Jays tied it through McKenzey Craig's free-position conversion, the 'Cats overwhelmed them as Taylor and Epke cooperated back and forth for two goals.
May 22, 2026; Evanston, IL, USA; Johns Hopkins Blue Jays midfielder Mk Lescault (0) defends Northwestern Wildcats midfielder Madison Taylor (25) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesCraig weaved through the defense and slid the ball into the net on the left post, delivered by Ava Angelo, forcing a one-goal gap to close the first frame.
Turning into the second quarter, Kate Ratanaproeksa charged with the ball and released a powerful bouncing shot before four defenders tried to fence her up.
After Northwestern missed a couple of free positions, Foster nailed one for the team, extending the 'Cats' lead to 6-3 just a minute after the previous goal.
Following Taylor's goal, Foster fought for another golden opportunity, forcing a turnover from Ashley Langdon and picking up the ball with an outstretched arm. After executing a give-and-go with Taylor on the right post, Foster squeezed in with her body and swiped the ball into the net at a narrow angle.
Taylor orchestrated another play a minute later, finding a cutting Lucy Munro open inside the circle for a one-on-one chance. Twenty-two seconds later, Epke added another in a quick attack. Northwestern dominated the first half 10-3 with a commanding 25-7 shot advantage, controlling the entire pace.
However, coming into the second half, the Blue Jays rejuvenated with a 4-0 run, closing the gap to three goals with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. The 'Cats responded with two goals later in the period. Lapointe stepped up, sending to Taylor on the left post, who stuffed herself inside for a close strike. A minute later, Lapointe cut into the circle with a follow-up goal.
"Tim is truly an amazing coach," Northwestern coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said of JHU's coach Tim McCormack, who was a former Northwestern assistant coach under her from 2014 to 2019. "They could have completely rolled over and given up after the first half, and I knew they wouldn't. They've never done that all season long. They fought until the end and have truly been a great second-half team."
The fight for a finals spot intensified in the fourth quarter. Though the 'Cats struck first with consecutive goals by Ratanaproeksa and Lapointe, the Blue Jays kept comeback hopes alive with two straight goals in a minute.
Taylor emerged again to restore Northwestern's five-goal cushion, dodging two defenders and scoring from a tough angle on the left.
Despite JHU showing resilience with six minutes remaining—Willard collected Hoss' delivery for a momentum goal—the 'Cats sealed the deal through Epke. After Cuocco's save launched an attack, Epke spun off a defender outside the circle and found a lane with the final punch.
After the 16-11 triumph, Northwestern advances to the championship final on Sunday, facing No. 2 North Carolina at Martin Stadium. It will be a rematch of the 2025 NCAA Final, where the 'Cats fell 12-8 to the Tar Heels.
