Northwestern has earned multiple honors in major college lacrosse media polls following a dominant week that included two top-10 upsets.
Per Inside Lacrosse, Madison Taylor was named to the first team of the Nike Lacrosse Midseason All-American list. The Wildcats’ leading scorer delivered the overtime game-winner against then-No. 1 North Carolina on Wednesday, snapping the Tar Heels' 31-game winning streak. She followed that performance with six goals in Sunday's 16-12 victory over then-No. 7 Johns Hopkins.
Taylor leads the nation with 54 goals and 18 assists through 11 games, serving as the offensive catalyst for Northwestern's championship aspirations. Her ability to take over games in crucial moments has established her as one of college lacrosse's most dynamic attackers with playmaking strength, also becoming one of the top candidates for the Tewaaraton Award.
Graduate transfer Annabel Child earned Honorable Mention recognition on the All-American list. The Canadian international has been a defensive force with 18 ground ball pickups, second only to goalie Jennika Cuocco's team-leading 25. Child has also caused eight turnovers this season, providing crucial possessions for Northwestern's high-powered offense.
For others, Maddie Epke was named USA Lacrosse Magazine's Player of the Week after her breakout performance against the Blue Jays. The senior transfer exploded for a career-high five goals and two assists, finding her rhythm after a challenging stretch. During Northwestern's back-to-back losses to Syracuse and Ohio State, Epke managed just one goal across both games, making her recent surge all the more significant.
As one of the major defensive anchors for Northwestern, Cuocco earned IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 23 saves and a 45.1% save percentage across two critical top-10 victories. The graduate transfer made 12 saves in Northwestern's overtime thriller against North Carolina, including a crucial free-position denial in overtime that set up Taylor's game-winner.
Cuocco has been a revelation in her first season at Northwestern, recording 93 saves with a 47.9% save percentage. Her ability to make timely stops in high-pressure moments has been instrumental in the 'Cats' resurgence.
What stands out most from these media poll selections is the dominance of Northwestern's transfer class. Taylor, Epke, Child and Cuocco have all made immediate impacts, validating coach Kelly Amonte Hiller's aggressive pursuit of veteran talent through the transfer portal.
As the season passes its midpoint, Northwestern will face USC at Martin Stadium for its Lacrosse Day in Chicago event on Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m. CT.