Northwestern Lacrosse didn't just win on Sunday—they made a statement. Their 15-7 victory over James Madison in the NCAA Tournament second round might look like business as usual on paper: a top seed handling an unseeded opponent, a Tewaaraton finalist (Madison Taylor) dropping eight goals, and a draw unit controlling the tempo. But for head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller, this game was anything but routine.
"The number one seed, that's a label," Amonte Hiller said. "We don't focus on labels. We just go out there and try to be our best version of ourselves."
That mindset has defined Northwestern's entire 2026 season. The Wildcats have been on a steady climb, learning and adapting through every challenge. Against James Madison, they finally broke free from the offensive struggles that had plagued them in recent games against Maryland and Michigan. By midway through the third quarter, Northwestern had already scored 11 times—matching their total output from their previous three games combined.
The numbers tell the story: 33 shots, 26 on goal, and six different goal scorers. The 'Cats brought an attacking energy that translated directly into results. Taylor, as expected, commanded the spotlight with her eight goals, but she wasn't alone. Aditi Foster added four of her own, and Maddie Epke delivered a stellar five-point performance against her former team.
"It was honestly kind of fun to see them on the field," Epke said of her ex-teammates. "And I'm proud of them, too, with everything they've accomplished this season. So there's a lot of respect out there, no hard feelings."
But great offense starts with great defense, and Northwestern's man-to-man unit didn't need to overwork on Sunday—and that was by design. Earlier in the season, the Wildcats' defense occasionally left gaps that opponents exploited. Amonte Hiller has since emphasized flexibility and tight marking as the foundation for a stronger, more reliable unit.
"I'm just really proud of our D's versatility," Amonte Hiller said. "I think you've seen us play zone defense really strong. I think you've seen us play man to man really well."
As Northwestern pivots to face Colorado on Thursday, this blend of offensive firepower and defensive adaptability is exactly what will carry them deep into the tournament. The Wildcats aren't just a top seed—they're a team that's grown into its full potential at exactly the right time.