No. 15 Northwestern (2-0, 1-0 B1G) is off to a strong start in Big Ten play, taking down No. 9 Minnesota (7-1, 0-1 B1G). The 18-11 win makes for the first defeat over the Gophers since 2018 and the first home victory over them since 1996.
Both the ‘Cats and the Gophers have seen a lot of early-season success. Northwestern beat Virginia in the season opener, placed 10th at the Cliff Keen Invitational and took home its first Midlands title. Minnesota was undefeated, having garnered wins against three nationally ranked teams, before suffering its first loss of the season in Evanston.