By Avrami Hacker

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.

Lacrosse

Results

• 5/16: NCAA Tournament Second Round, 19-4 win over Denver

After complete domination in Big Ten play and earning the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament, Northwestern did not take a step back, crushing Denver at Martin Stadium 19-4. Northwestern star attacker Izzy Scane continued to put on a show by adding eight scores to bring her season total to 89, breaking the previous program record. Strong play by Scane and sophomore attacker Erin Coykendall, who had six assists and three goals of her own, advanced the Big Ten Champions to another round in dominant fashion. The Wildcats will play against the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils on May 22 at Noon CT for a Final Four berth on the line.

Softball

Results

• 5/14: 6-1 win over Nebraska
• 5/15: 9-1 win over Nebraska
• 5/15: 5-4 loss vs Nebraska
• 5/16: 6-5 win over Nebraska

The ‘Cats punched their ticket to the NCAA Softball Tournament with a series win over Nebraska. After a disappointing split last week against Purdue, Northwestern appeared to be on the bubble, uncertain if their name would be called on Selection Sunday. This set up a huge weekend against Nebraska for the Wildcats’ last regular-season series of the year. Durning the series opener on Friday, Danielle Williams’ pitched a complete game with 13 strikeouts and one walk as Northwestern dominated with a 6-1 win.  

The second game of the series was no different for the Wildcats, beating Nebraska 9-1 in six innings. Lauren Boyd’s solid pitching led the ‘Cats as she allowed one earned run through 4 innings pitched, improving her season record to 4-3. Sydney Supple also came in for relief in the last two innings and shut out the Cornhuskers’ bats.  Offensively, the ‘Cats punched early on Nebraska pitcher Olivia Ferrell, who gave up 7 earned runs in just 3 innings pitched. 

In the third game, the ‘Cats were unable to muster up the win as Williams, who started the day before, was on no rest and gave up three crucial RBI’s to Cam Ybarra, her kryptonite of the day.  Ybarra came in clutch at the top of the 7th inning with two outs and drove in the final two runs for the Cornhuskers, leading to a 5-4 ‘Cats loss.  Despite early run production by Jordyn Rudd and Megan Newport, Ybarra’s last-minute heroics gave the Cornhuskers the edge in game three.

On Senior Day, all eyes were on Newport to see if she could deliver in a must-win game for the Wildcats to clinch a spot in the NCAA tournament.  Newport not only tossed a complete game with seven strikeouts and no walks but was also 3-for-3 at the plate with a two-run moon-shot to center field, leading the ‘Cats to a series victory. Northwestern will travel to play No. 14 Kentucky in the Lexington Regional on May 21 at 11 a.m. CT.

Baseball

Results

• 5/14: 12-2 loss at Nebraska
• 5/15: 11-5 loss at Nebraska

Unfortunately for the Wildcats on the other diamond, staff shortages due to Covid-19 issues within the team led to a tough weekend in the Cornhusker State. In a 12-2 route to start the series against the Cornhuskers, Mike Doherty, one of the Northwestern’s most reliable pitchers, had an off-day, allowing six earned runs and 10 hits through six innings pitched, which shut the door for any chance of a comeback by the ‘Cats. Northwestern then lost 11-5 the following day despite mounting a 4-2 lead through six innings with a skeleton lineup. The series finale on Sunday was canceled in an abundance of caution for player safety, according to both teams, alluding to the lack of arms available for the Wildcats. Northwestern is scheduled to play Iowa this weekend for the last home series of the season, starting with first pitch set for 1 p.m. CT on May 21.

Women’s Golf

Results

• 5/12: NCAA Tournament Stanford Regional, no golfers advanced

Sophomore Big Ten Golfer of the Year Irene Kim was unable to lead the Cats past regionals hosted by Stanford, ending their team and individual NCAA Tournament title hopes in Northern California.  After finishing fifth in Big Ten play, the ‘Cats did not have the firepower to keep up with regional favorites Stanford, Wake Forest, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Arizona and USC, who all advanced.