Despite chilling game time temperatures at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, the No. 9 Northwestern women’s lacrosse team opened up its 2017 season with a home win over Canisius (0-1), 9-7. Here are some quick game notes:
- Just under 20 seconds into the game, NU (1-0) struck first as redshirt senior Christina Esposito scored off of a free position shot.
- Esposito lead the ‘Cats with four goals on the game, and junior Corinne Wessels distributed four assists while also scoring one goal.
- Physical play: Between both teams, there were 61 total fouls committed, including three yellow cards.
- For the game, NU outshot Canisius 34-16
- Winning where it counts: NU consistently controlled the draw circle, winning 17 of the 18 total. Selena Lasota led the ‘Cats with eight draw controls wins, while Esposito, Cari Ingrilli and Shannon Nesselbush each had two.
- Mallory Weisse was steady in goal, saving six of the thirteen shots she faced.
The ‘Cats will now hit the road to take on the No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the team that ended NU’s season a year ago in the NCAA Tournament. Game time is set for noon on Sunday in South Bend, Indiana.