HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Sophomore Mallory Weisse made a career-high 13 saves in a defensive battle versus No. 5 Syracuse, but Northwestern's offensive struggles in the first half proved too much to overcome as the Wildcats fell to the Orange at Hofstra University, 5-3.
The Wildcats (2-3) were held without a goal in the first 30 minutes, but stayed within striking distance thanks in large part to the play of Weisse and the defense. After falling behind 3-0 in the first 10 minutes of play, Weisse held the Orange to just one goal over the next 30 minutes to help Chicago's Big Ten Team make it a game.
After trailing at halftime, 4-0, the 'Cats got on the board first in the second half on senior Catie Ingrilli's sixth goal of the season. The Long Island native scored in her fifth-straight game, extending her career-long streak of consecutive games with a goal.
NU needed just 1:48 to get back on the board as senior Christina Esposito ripped a free-position from the left side of the arc to cut the deficit to two, 4-2. A goal by Syracuse's Emily Hawryschuk extended the Orange lead back to three, 5-2, with just over 15 minutes to play.
The Wildcats scored just 1:24 later on Esposito's second goal of the game to cut the deficit back to two, 5-3. The goal was Esposito's team-leading 16th of the season as she has scored at least two goals in all five games.
A key moment in the game came five minutes later when Cuse's goalkeeper Asa Goldstock was called for an offensive charge all the way at midfield, giving the 'Cats a 3-on-2 opportunity with the keeper out of the cage. The Wildcats moved the ball into the offensive third, but were fouled to set up a free-position shot for freshman Lindsey McKone. With Goldstock still out of the cage, a Syracuse defender was able to get a stick on McKone's attempt, preventing the Wildcats from pulling within a goal.
McKone had another free-position opportunity to cut the deficit to one with 3:46 to play, but again the Syracuse defense came up with a big stop by swarming to cause a turnover before she got off a shot.
Sophomore Claire Quinn had a career-high six ground balls and matched a career high with three caused turnovers to lead the defense. Fellow sophomore Nell Copeland also had career highs with two caused turnovers and three ground balls.
The Wildcats have lost three straight by a combined four goals and will be back in action on Sunday at No. 8 Stony Brook (3-0). The opening draw is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.
The Wildcats (2-3) were held without a goal in the first 30 minutes, but stayed within striking distance thanks in large part to the play of Weisse and the defense. After falling behind 3-0 in the first 10 minutes of play, Weisse held the Orange to just one goal over the next 30 minutes to help Chicago's Big Ten Team make it a game.
After trailing at halftime, 4-0, the 'Cats got on the board first in the second half on senior Catie Ingrilli's sixth goal of the season. The Long Island native scored in her fifth-straight game, extending her career-long streak of consecutive games with a goal.
NU needed just 1:48 to get back on the board as senior Christina Esposito ripped a free-position from the left side of the arc to cut the deficit to two, 4-2. A goal by Syracuse's Emily Hawryschuk extended the Orange lead back to three, 5-2, with just over 15 minutes to play.
The Wildcats scored just 1:24 later on Esposito's second goal of the game to cut the deficit back to two, 5-3. The goal was Esposito's team-leading 16th of the season as she has scored at least two goals in all five games.
A key moment in the game came five minutes later when Cuse's goalkeeper Asa Goldstock was called for an offensive charge all the way at midfield, giving the 'Cats a 3-on-2 opportunity with the keeper out of the cage. The Wildcats moved the ball into the offensive third, but were fouled to set up a free-position shot for freshman Lindsey McKone. With Goldstock still out of the cage, a Syracuse defender was able to get a stick on McKone's attempt, preventing the Wildcats from pulling within a goal.
McKone had another free-position opportunity to cut the deficit to one with 3:46 to play, but again the Syracuse defense came up with a big stop by swarming to cause a turnover before she got off a shot.
Sophomore Claire Quinn had a career-high six ground balls and matched a career high with three caused turnovers to lead the defense. Fellow sophomore Nell Copeland also had career highs with two caused turnovers and three ground balls.
The Wildcats have lost three straight by a combined four goals and will be back in action on Sunday at No. 8 Stony Brook (3-0). The opening draw is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.