Editor’s note: Each week, WNUR Sports recaps the news and results from the in-season, non-revenue teams that we cover in order to help our listeners and readers stay connected to the pulse of Northwestern athletics. For men’s basketball coverage, click HERE.

By Fredrick Bugyei

It has been an eventful week for the non-revenue teams, with the lacrosse season underway and the women’s basketball season kicking into full gear.

Lacrosse:

2/8: WIN vs. Louisville, 21-11

The Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse team comes in as a consensus top ten team and the No. 7 team in the preseason IWLC coaches poll. The Wildcats squared off against Louisville in the first of four matchups to be held in the new Ryan Fieldhouse.

Northwestern got off to a quick start and never looked back as first year Izzy Scane scored 12 seconds into the new season. The ‘Cats continued to score early and often, putting up 15 goals in the first half and completely dominating the Louisville Cardinals in the draw circle. At the end of the first half, Northwestern led 15-6.

The rout continued as the ‘Cats jumped out to a 20-6 lead early in the second half. The Cardinals would put up 5 straight goals in the second half, but at the end of regulation, the Wildcats came out with a 21-11 victory.

With 10 seniors departing from last year’s roster, there were several questions for Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller to answer. Brennan Dwyer emerged as option number one for the Wildcats in the draw circle, finishing with 12 draw controls, while Northwestern legend Selena Lasota scored five goals and chipped in one assist.

Looking forward, the Wildcats will take on Dartmouth on Friday and Duke on Sunday.

Women’s Basketball:

2/7: LOSS @ Maryland, 72-57

2/10: LOSS @ Minnesota, 73-64 (OT)

Coach McKeown’s squad had a tough week that may have eliminated their opportunity to make the NCAA tournament. On Thursday the ‘Cats traveled to Maryland to face off against the Terrapins. The No. 10 team in the country took a 14-point lead in the first quarter and a 21-point lead by the half. While Lindsey Pulliam poured in 18 points, the Wildcats ultimately fell by 15.

Sunday provided a chance to avenge the Maryland loss, as the squad headed to Minnesota to face off against the Golden Gophers. The game was plagued by turnovers, with both teams combining for 47 turnovers. Lindsay Whalen’s Golden Gophers shot 60 percent from three in the first half and took a 13-point lead into halftime.

Abi Scheid and Jordan Hamilton led a second half comeback and scored a combined 38 points for Northwestern. The Wildcats were able to take a four-point lead with a minute left, but with five seconds left Abi Scheid missed two free throws that would have given the Wildcats a lead. The wildcats struggled in overtime and lost by nine.

The Women’s basketball team will face off against Penn state and Purdue next week.