Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse Advances to NCAA Semifinals

News Summary

In a thrilling NCAA Division I tournament quarterfinal, the No. 3 Northwestern women’s lacrosse team defeated No. 12 Penn with a score of 17-12. This victory marks Northwestern’s sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA semifinals. Standout Madison Taylor delivered a record-setting game, scoring six goals and four assists, surpassing previous records. Penn’s Anna Brandt also had a strong performance with three goals, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller praised Taylor’s leadership as the team prepares for the semifinals in Foxborough.

Philadelphia – In a thrilling NCAA Division I tournament quarterfinal matchup held on May 15, 2025, the No. 3 Northwestern women’s lacrosse team triumphed over No. 12 Penn, securing a convincing 17-12 victory. This win propels Northwestern into the NCAA semifinals, marking their sixth consecutive appearance at this stage of the tournament.

Madison Taylor, a standout player and Tewaaraton Award finalist, delivered a record-setting performance. She netted six goals and contributed four assists, amassing a remarkable nine points in the match. With this impressive showing, Taylor raised her season total to 145 points, breaking the previous Northwestern single-season record held by Izzy Scane. Furthermore, her first goal of the second half set a new NCAA record for the most goals scored in a single season, bringing her total to 104 goals.

Match Dynamics and Player Contributions

The game showcased a competitive back-and-forth scoring dynamic. Penn entered halftime trailing 10-5, struggling to maintain possession throughout the first half. The Quakers faced challenges in the draw control, losing that battle 22-10, and were outshot by Northwestern 32-22.

Leading the charge for Penn was senior midfielder Anna Brandt, who achieved her 64th goal of the season during the match, surpassing the previous program record held by former teammate Niki Miles. Brandt scored three goals, marking her 14th hat trick of the season. Her performance, along with the return of senior attacker Keeley Block—who scored her third goal of the game after being carted off the field earlier—was not enough to secure a victory.

Previous Tournament Performance

This quarterfinal exit for Penn marks their second consecutive elimination at this stage of the NCAA tournament, mirroring their outcome from the previous year. Prior to facing Northwestern, the Quakers advanced through the tournament by defeating Army and No. 6 Maryland in earlier rounds, showcasing their potential as a formidable opponent.

Northwestern’s Journey to the Semifinals

Northwestern’s head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller acknowledged Taylor’s exceptional leadership and impact on the field. Under her guidance, the team demonstrated resilience and skill that proved crucial against Penn.

Additionally, Northwestern’s roster includes former Penn players Niki Miles and Grace Fujinaga, who played significant roles in the match, highlighting the overlapping paths between the two programs.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Northwestern sets its sights on the NCAA semifinals, where they will compete in Foxborough. As they prepare for the next game, the Wildcats are filled with confidence from their record-breaking performances and aim to continue their successful run in the tournament.

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Additional Resources

• Penn Athletics: Women’s Lacrosse Drops Decision to Northwestern
• The Daily Pennsylvanian: Penn Women’s Lacrosse Falls to Northwestern
• Northwestern Athletics: Taylor Breaks NCAA Goals Record
• Chicago Tribune: Northwestern Lacrosse Returns to Final Four
• Wikipedia: Women’s Lacrosse