Northwestern Lacrosse Claims Fourth Straight Big Ten Regular Season Title

Wildcats outlast Michigan Wolverines 9-7 in hard-fought battle

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a women's lacrosse game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the official team colors of Northwestern and Michigan.Northwestern's fourth straight outright Big Ten regular season title is a testament to the program's championship pedigree and dominance in the conference.Ann Arbor Today

The Northwestern Wildcats women's lacrosse team defeated the Michigan Wolverines 9-7 on Saturday to clinch their fourth consecutive outright Big Ten regular season championship. The game was a tight, low-scoring affair, with the Wildcats overcoming a late Michigan comeback attempt to secure the victory and the top seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.

Why it matters

Northwestern has dominated the Big Ten women's lacrosse landscape since the conference began sponsoring the sport in 2015, winning the regular season title outright each year. This latest championship continues the Wildcats' dynasty and cements their status as the team to beat in the Big Ten. The win also secures the top seed for Northwestern in the conference tournament, giving them a direct path to the semifinals.

The details

The game was a defensive battle, with neither team holding more than a two-goal advantage at any point. Northwestern jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but Michigan rallied with a 4-0 run in the third quarter to take the lead. However, the Wildcats responded with a 4-0 run of their own late in the game to clinch the victory. Freshman goalkeeper Elizabeth Johnson had a strong game for Michigan, making 13 saves, but Northwestern's Madison Taylor led all scorers with three goals.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Big Ten Tournament semifinals, which Northwestern has qualified for as the top seed, will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The players

Kelly Amonte Hiller

The head coach of the Northwestern women's lacrosse team, who has led the Wildcats to four straight outright Big Ten regular season titles.

Hannah Nielsen

The head coach of the Michigan women's lacrosse team, who was previously an assistant coach under Amonte Hiller at Northwestern.

Madison Taylor

The Northwestern attacker who led all scorers with three goals in the game.

Elizabeth Johnson

The Michigan freshman goalkeeper who made 13 saves in the game.

Jenika Cuocco

The Northwestern graduate goalkeeper who made seven saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Since the inception of Big Ten women's lacrosse in 2015, the trophy has never been shared between multiple programs. Northwestern made sure that trend held true, upending Michigan, 9-7.”

— Matt Campbell, Author

What’s next

The Big Ten Tournament semifinals, where Northwestern will face the winner of the Michigan-Penn State matchup, will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Northwestern's victory over Michigan not only clinched the Wildcats' fourth straight outright Big Ten regular season title, but also secured their status as the dominant force in the conference. The team's ability to overcome a late Michigan comeback attempt and close out the game with a 4-0 run showcases their championship pedigree and sets them up as the favorites to win the Big Ten Tournament.