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 Pat Timlin

Baseball

2/15 – 2/16: vs. BYU L 3-4, W 3-2, L 2-11

2/17: WIN vs. Cal, 9-5

The Northwestern Wildcats traveled to Arizona for a four game series at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex to open up their season. After playing a three-game, two-day series against Brigham Young University, they took on University of California Berkeley and finished the weekend at 2-2.

On Friday the ‘Cats found themselves in an up-and-down game. After falling behind, they scored three runs in the 6th inning, fueled by a two-RBI single from junior outfielder Leo Kaplan. The Cougars tied it up in the 8th, however, and won 4-3 in extra innings.

On Saturday, Northwestern was able to change its luck. They went up 3-0 in the third inning and held onto the lead behind strong starting pitching from southpaw Sam Lawrence, eventually winning the game 3-2. Later in the day, The Cougars were able to score six runs in the 4th inning and coasted to a 11-2 win.

Head Coach Spencer Allen looked to get his team back on track Sunday against the Golden Bears and got a big victory. The Wildcats were led by first baseman Willie Bourbon, who went 3-3 with two walks, two RBIs, and a home run. 

Up Next: at Duke (3 game series)

Lacrosse

2/15: WIN vs. No. 25 Dartmouth, 21-15

2/17: WIN vs. No. 24 Duke, 21-20

The Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse team faced a pair of top-25 foes this past weekend at Ryan Fieldhouse, welcoming in No. 25 Dartmouth and No. 24 Duke.

The action got started late Friday night against Dartmouth, with Selena Lasota opening up the game with a pair of goals. The ‘Cats never surrendered the lead due to the strong defensive play led by the goalie Julie Krupnick, who finished with 16 saves.

At the half, Northwestern was up 12-5 thanks to two late first half goals from Lauren Gilbert. Upon starting the second half, the Wildcats were hungry for more. Seven different players scored and Gilbert added two more to finish with a game-high four goals. The largest lead of the game came on a smooth move from Megan Kinna to put the ‘Cats ahead 18-10. After surrendering a few goals in garbage time, Northwestern won 21-15.

Later in the weekend, No. 24 Duke arrived in Evanston for a Sunday Matinee that turned into a nail-biter.

In the first half, Gilbert continued her dominance and scored a pair of early goals as Northwestern jumped out to a 6-4 lead. Over the next thirteen minutes, Duke went on a 7-0 scoring run led by Charlotte North’s playmaking ability. The ‘Cats were able to answer back with a run of their own, scoring three goals in the final two minutes of the half.

The remaining 25 minutes proved to be the toughest stretch the Wildcats have seen this season. Overall there were seven lead changes, but the only one that mattered was the last, as Lindsey McKone was able to score her sixth goal of the season to put the Wildcats ahead by one with only 25 seconds left on the clock.

Up Next: A road trip to upstate New York vs No. 15 Syracuse and Canisius College.

Women’s Basketball

2/14: WIN vs. Penn State, 78-63

2/17: LOSS at Purdue, 58-61

The Wildcats welcomed the Penn State Nittany Lions to town Thursday night after losing their previous two games. Coach Joe McKeown set out to get his team on the right track and also notch his first career win against Penn State in his 13th try.

From the start of the game, the Wildcats played tremendous defensive basketball, limiting Penn State to just 22 points in the first half. On offense, they were led by Lindsey Pulliam’s 22 points as well as Abi Scheid’s 14 and Jordan Hamilton’s 12. After jumping out to an 18-point lead in the first half, Northwestern never looked back and held comfortably to their lead.

On Sunday night, the ‘Cats traveled to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers. After a close loss in Welsh-Ryan earlier in the season, Joe McKeown’s team was looking to bolster their tournament hopes with a road win.

With another strong defensive performance featuring 21 points off of 20 turnovers, the ‘Cats found themselves in a close game throughout the 40 minutes. Pulliam led the way with 16 points, but she was outmatched by Karissa McLaughlin’s 28 for Purdue. In the final minute of the game, Pulliam was able to tie up the game at 58-58, but McLaughlin sank her ninth three-pointer of the game with one second left to lift Purdue to victory. 

Up Next: final two home games vs Nebraska (2/21), Indiana (2/26 Senior Day)