UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Facing one of the best teams in the nation and the Big Ten conference, Penn State women's lacrosse fell 17-6 to No. 3 Northwestern on Friday night at Panzer Stadium.
NU (9-2, 3-0) proved its offensive prowess by shooting 81.8 percent on goal and controlling possession by winning the draw control battle 21 to three.
PSU (5-5, 0-2) fought hard on defense, causing 11 turnovers of NU's 21 total turnovers while the Nittany Lions committed just 11 miscues themselves, only three of which were caused by the Wildcats.
Sophomore Kristin O'Neill caused a career-high five turnovers on a night where she accounted for three points on two goals and one assist. The midfielder also picked up three ground balls, matching freshman defender Ellie Hollin.
Graduate student Taylor Regan and junior Meghan Murray also scored two goals in the game, while sophomore Gretchen Gilmore accounted for PSU's other assist.
Sophomore goalie Cayden Jarvis took over in goal during the first half as she made a season-best eight saves.
Next, PSU will travel for a Big Ten contest at Maryland on Thursday, April 7. First draw is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. with the action broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
