This past weekend was one for the books. Saturday, I was at Ryan Fieldhouse, covering Northwestern Lacrosse’s national title rematch with Boston College. Sunday, I shifted gears to Welsh-Ryan Arena to see the men’s basketball team host Nebraska. In between, I squeezed in a phone call with players and coaches from the softball team, who were busy playing five games down in Louisiana while I navigated my hectic weekend in Evanston.
As I look back on what’s been my busiest week as sports editor, I can’t help but realize it’s also been the most rewarding. There’s a special time each year when Northwestern’s winter and spring sports overlap, and I consider it a privilege to cover this chaotic, exciting period. It’s been a true joy to write, edit and read the incredible stories our talented team at the sports desk brings to life as we dive into the programs that define this university.
I’m excited to present our Spring Sports Preview, where you’ll get a sneak peek at how Northwestern’s lacrosse and softball teams are looking to make another postseason run, how baseball is hoping to build on its first season-opening series victory since 2008 and how both the men’s and women’s tennis teams continue to push forward in what’s already shaping up to be successful seasons. There’s so much more to discover about these teams, but I hope our preview gives you a taste of what’s ahead for the ’Cats this spring.
Thank you to our wonderful team of reporters, photographers, editors and designers who made this preview possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Audrey Pachuta,
Sports Editor
As Northwestern gets into the swing of their 2025 campaign, here are three storylines to watch out for.
Behind freshman infielder Kaylie Avvisato’s nine hits in her first 16 at bats, Northwestern opened its season with three wins, including a 4-1 victory over No. 8 Duke.
Northwestern posted a 3-2 record at the Purple and Gold Classic this weekend, dropping a perfect game to No. 18 Virginia Tech and falling twice to No. 7 LSU.
Percy Shelley’s “Ozymandias” chronicles a once-omnipotent kingdom’s descent to desolation. For Northwestern lacrosse, it’s a tale the program has consistently eluded.
Junior attacker Madison Taylor scored six times and sophomore attacker Taylor Lapointe logged her first career hat trick as No. 3 Northwestern lacrosse routed Niagara 22-5.
Trailing by six goals early in the second quarter, No. 2 Northwestern’s long-held dominance on its home turf began to crumble under the pressure of No. 1 Boston College’s blistering attack.
Less than two years later, that conversation would have lasting significance, as Jack Lausch made his debut on Northwestern’s baseball team last weekend.
Despite NU’s fight to stay in contention as the game progressed, the Eagles claimed a 13-9 win, ending the ’Cats’ long-standing undefeated record at home.
With Northwestern men’s and women’s tennis teams nearing Big Ten play, The Daily’s tennis beat writers handed out early-season accolades and provided insights for the competition to come.
Northwestern went 0-3 at the ITA Indoor Championships, but coach Claire Pollard exits the weekend optimistic about the team’s performance.
Defeating Illinois State and IU Indianapolis Saturday, Northwestern men’s tennis registered two 7-0 sweeps on the same day for the first time since March 2015.