Lacrosse

Given all the history, fervor and unpleasant nostalgia from Northwestern entering its game against No. 3 North Carolina, they were expected to put up a strong fight.

That was not what happened Saturday versus the Tar Heels. North Carolina shellacked the No. 9 Wildcats in their 21-11 weekend contest. The Tar Heel lead swelled to as much as 11 goals in the first half before sophomore midfielder Lauren Gilbert stopped the bleeding.

Gilbert was one of the lone bright spots for NU in an otherwise demoralizing loss. The midfielder filled up the stat sheet with 3 goals, two free-position attempts and three draw controls. Gilbert was also the only Cats player to score in a 15-minute second-half stretch.

It was a better performance than the one from star senior attacker Selena Lasota, who went 1-for-7 on her shot attempts and gave up two turnovers. Lasota is only three games removed returning from injury and in that span, she has racked up 6 goals, five assists and four turnovers.

Saturday, sophomore goalkeeper Julie Krupnick had her poorest performance of the season, coming up with a season-low .235 save percentage and 22 minutes played.

Amonte Hiller subbed out Krupnick with seven minutes left to play in the first half and opted to play freshman goalkeeper Madison Doucette for the remaining time. Doucette played a season-high 38 minutes but still allowed 8 goals on 12 shots.

One statline that was not a problem for NU was draw controls. Led by sophomore midfielder Brennan Dwyer’s nine draws, the Cats were able nudge out the Tar Heels for total draw controls on the game.

NU has the week to rest before it hosts the country’s top team Boston College Saturday night. The Cats are undefeated at home this season.

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