Heading into Saturday, the No. 1 Wildcats and No. 5 Gators were netting a combined 32 goals per game. The two teams were also giving up fewer than 14 goals per contest. Something had to give at Lakeside Field.
Defense prevailed on Saturday, as Florida needed just eight scores to overcome previously-undefeated Northwestern. The Gators stymied senior Shannon Smith and the rest of the ‘Cats all afternoon with aggressive defense and speedy transition play.
“When you lose ... it just makes you go back to the basics, back to the drawing board," said Communication junior Gabby Flibotte, who tallied one goal, three ground balls and five draw controls in a losing effort. "It all comes down to the ground balls and the little plays in a game like this.”
It was a tough one to stomach for the energetic crowd of 1,578 at Lakeside Field. Northwestern had more shots on goal, more draw controls, fewer fouls and fewer turnovers than its ALC opponent but still came up short. The Wildcats held possession for the final 53 seconds of the game, but Florida’s perimeter play prevented attackers from getting off a potential game-tying shot.
The numbers:
12 – Second-half fouls committed by the Gators. Florida held nothing back on the defensive end, and Northwestern took advantage by scoring on three free-position shots.
7 – First-half ground balls won by Florida, compared to just three for the Wildcats. The Gators were scrappy and efficient at midfield, which was the main reason for their 5-2 halftime lead.
733 – Days since the ‘Cats were last defeated at home. Since a 2010 loss to then-No. 2 North Carolina, NU had been perfect at Lakeside. Saturday’s contest marks just the fourth defeat Northwestern has suffered at home since 2004.
Game-changing moments:
Northwestern found itself truly out of familiar territory, trailing by three goals to begin the second half. The ‘Cats responded with a flurry of offense, scoring three times in just 56 seconds to knot the game at five goals. Junior midfielder Erin Fitzgerald capitalized on two free-position opportunities, and midfielder Flibotte lofted a shot past Florida goalkeeper Mikey Meagher after securing a draw control and evading a clump of defenders.
But the game was ultimately determined by Florida attack Gabi Wiegand, who sunk the second of her two goals to break a 7-7 tie with 5:47 left to play. The junior made a swift right cut move and extended a shot past diving Northwestern goalie Brianne LoManto.
Where Northwestern stands:
The ‘Cats may momentarily relinquish their spot at the top of the college lacrosse world, but things are still looking good in Evanston. Northwestern now boasts a 14-1 record, and chances are good there will be ample opportunities for vengeance.
“We probably will see them at the ALC [Tournament],” Flibotte said.
NU’s next matchup comes on Wednesday when the ‘Cats host Notre Dame. Syracuse and a slew of ACC powerhouses may be formidable threats, but for now, there’s no reason to believe the defending national champions won’t win it all again.