After a string of close games against talented ACC teams, Northwestern finally delivered one of their trademark beatdowns against Marquette, winning 20-5. The offensive frenzy started early, as they were ahead 12-2 after the first period. The now 3-0 ‘Cats were led by junior Kara Mupo and sophomore Christina Esposito who each had three goals. Ultimately, the ‘Cats out-shot Marquette 38-12. This game was scheduled as a home game, but was moved to Lake Barrington, Ill. After this game, they’ll have a short break before playing Notre Dame in their first true home game March 5.
Box Score Stars:
1. Mupo led the way Tuesday with five total points, coming on three goals and two assists. Her performance today brought her season total to five goals. Kaleigh Craig leads the team with six goals, even though she didn’t have one against Marquette. Mupo had four shots on goal, and added to her day with 3 ground balls. The junior from Miller Place, N.Y., played the entire 60 minutes.
2. The three goalies that played for the Wildcats tallied a total of only three saves, but that is largely due to the fact that Marquette was held to only 12 shots, only eight of which were on target. The Northwestern dominated all game, limiting Marquette’s time of possession and winning 21 draws to Marquette’s six.
3. Fifteen different Wildcat’s tallied at least one goal. After jumping ahead to the big lead in the first half, head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller was able to show off the depth of the team. Esposito broke out today, notching her first goal of the season with 19:22 left in the first half, and then following up with two more later in the game.