March 4, 2009
Northwestern Lacrosse Weekly Release - March 4 
Opening Draw
Northwestern wraps up its five-game season-opening road swing in Washington, D.C., squaring off against eighth-ranked Georgetown at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 7. The showdown with the Hoyas is also the 2009 Friends of Jaclyn Brain Tumor Awareness Challenge, with proceeds from the game and banquet to benefit the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.
Wildcats on the Web
Fans unable to make it to Georgetown can still follow every Wildcat goal. Live streaming video of the game will be available as will Gametracker live statistics.
Scouting the Hoyas
No. 8 Georgetown has cruised out to a 3-0 record so far, thanks to victories over George Washington, Johns Hopkins and Denver. The Hoyas, who were picked to finish second in the Big East this season, have been lead by junior Molly Ford's 13 goals and 15 points, both team highs. Sophomore Jordy Kirr has notched six goals and six assists on the season, while Big East Player of the Week Ashby Kaestner leads the team in assists (7), is third in points (11) and leads the Hoyas in draw controls with nine. Defensively, senior Jennifer Trautman and sophomore Jenny Wolock have anchored a tough Georgetown backfield which has allowed just 5.3 goals per game, combining for 13 caused turnovers and eight ground balls. Junior goalkeeper Caitlin Formby has been a force in the Hoya cage, recording 19 saves with a .559 save percentage and a 5.70 goals against average. Head coach Ricky Fried is in his fourth year at the helm of the Hoyas, compiling a 45-24 (.652) overall record.
Series Information
Northwestern and Georgetown get together for the third time Saturday with the Wildcats winning the previous two meetings. Last year the Wildcats and Hoyas put together a thrilling show at Lakeside Field, with the `Cats squeaking out the 7-6 victory. NU is 1-0 all-time in Washington, D.C., taking a 12-1 victory over Georgetown in the 1989 season.
`Cats-Hoyas Square Off in Friends of Jaclyn Brain Tumor Awareness Challenge
For the second-straight year, Northwestern and Georgetown will take the field playing for much more than just winning a lacrosse game. The two teams will go head-to-head in the 2009 Friends of Jaclyn Brain Tumor Awareness Challenge, aimed at raising awareness and improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with brain tumors. Proceeds from both the game and the banquet will go to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. Since the Wildcats became involved with Jaclyn Murphy four years ago, over three dozen collegiate and high school teams have "adopted" children afflicted with brain tumors with that number continuing to grow. This is the third year the Challenge has been held, raising nearly $30,000 in each of the previous years. For
more information on the game or about the Foundation, visit friendsofjaclyn.org.
Wildcat Season Tickets On Sale Now
Don't miss a single goal at Lakeside Field this year as Northwestern continues its' pursuit for a fifth-straight national championship. Season tickets for the Wildcats are on sale until the first home game, with adult season tickets costing $35, and youth tickets (18 and under) are only $20. Family plans are also available for $70. The `Cats have a great home schedule in 2009, welcoming Syracuse, Duke and Penn (last year's other Final Four teams) to Evanston, as well as ALC conference rivals Ohio State and Penn State. Tickets forms are available online on the lacrosse homepage at NUsports.com, or by calling the Northwestern ticket office at 847-491-CATS.
Looking Ahead
Northwestern finally gets a chance for a little home cooking, as the Wildcats take to the turf at Lakeside Field for the first time this season, hosting six of their next seven games. NU welcomes 20th-ranked Hofstra to Evanston on Thursday, March 12, for a 6 p.m. opening draw. The `Cats then face off against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Lakeside has proven to be the ultimate home-field advantage for the Wildcats over the past few seasons, as Northwestern has won 44 consecutive games in Evanston, an NCAA record.
For the complete weekly release, click the PDF link above.