No. 11 Northwestern Set for National Title Rematch Against No. 1 UNC Northwestern’s women’s lacrosse team is preparing for a highly anticipated showdown against No. 1 North Carolina, a rematch of the 2025 NCAA national championship game. The matchup, set for Wednesday at Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, will mark the Wildcats’ first visit to the venue since 2024 and their final non-conference contest of the 2026 season. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. CT. The Wildcats, ranked No. 11 in the nation, enter the contest with a 6-3 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Big Ten play. Their recent 17-3 victory over Oregon highlighted their offensive prowess, as Madison Taylor led the charge with 10 points (seven goals, three assists). The win also saw Northwestern limit opponents to just three goals, the fewest allowed in Big Ten games this season. Taylor’s performance further solidified her status as one of the nation’s top scorers, with 407 career points and 290 career goals—both NCAA records. North Carolina, the reigning national champions, brings a formidable presence to the match. The Tar Heels, ranked No. 1, are undefeated at 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the ACC. Head coach Jenny Levy’s squad has maintained a 31-game winning streak since the 2025 title game, where they defeated Northwestern 12-8. UNC’s offense, led by Tewaaraton Award winner Chloe Humphrey (46 goals, 20 assists), averages 25.67 points per game while holding opponents to just 10.33 points. Goalkeeper Betty Nelson, with a 38.5% save percentage, anchors the defense. The rivalry between the two programs is storied, with UNC holding a 15-13 all-time series edge.#chapel_hill #northwestern_women_lacrosse #north_carolina_women_lacrosse #madison_taylor #jenny_levy
