The Big Ten opens Thursday, and only one thing is for sure: Northwestern is the favorite.
The Wildcats ran the table with an 11-0 record in league play. They were virtually untouchable their closest game was a seven-goal affair against Ohio State April 8. The offense is the best in the nation, averaging 20.64 goals per game. Izzy Scane is averaging a Div. I-best 6.36 goals per game, and Lauren Gilbert ranks fifth with 4.55 goals per game.
The Wildcats ensure their offense can get to work and quickly by gaining possession on the draw. They’re also leading the country with 19.36 draws per game. Brennan Dwyer leads the team with 67 draws, with Gilbert and Jill Girardi tallying 48 draws and 38 draws, respectively. Northwestern’s defense doesn’t tend to get much attention, but Ally Palmero, who was invited to try out for the national team last year, is a leader there with 12 caused turnovers. Goalie Madison Doucette is stopping shots at a 42 percent clip.