[NU Sports] Wildcats crush Buckeyes in Columbus, Fighting Irish at home

[Tom Maycock]

It's really to be able to type an email subject like that. This in reference to the women's Lax team, of course. 

They downed OSU 17-10 last week, in a game that wasn't nearly as close as the final score suggests. 

Then, last night at home, they dominated Notre Dame 15-5. Good stuff. Everyone played well, but Brianne LaManto was particularly outstanding in goal against the Irish. You can catch replays on Big Ten Network this afternoon or tomorrow (4 p.m. CT today, 11 a.m. CT on Thursday). Watch for Shannon Smith's wicked behind-the-back goal. 

I think the Cats still have some work to do to reach the level of the '09 team, and they face a really tough stretch of road games ahead. 

But they are as entertaining to watch as ever. Lots of individual scoring talent, a solid passing game despite the loss of Hannah Nielsen, and a whole bunch of team speed. It looks like the defense is starting to round into shape as well. 

Also, a bunch of freshmen and sophomores are starting to make huge contributions. Whether or not the Cats manage to add another championship to the string this year, the future looks very, very bright. 

Tom