Elle Hansen makes biggest impact late for Northwestern

Elle Hansen, No. 7, celebrates a goal last weekend against Syracuse. (Stephen Carrera)

It was no surprise to Cohasset High (Mass.) girls lacrosse coach Kully Reardon that Elle Hansen delivered her biggest contribution as a first-year college player in the biggest game of the season.

After being the focal point of almost everything she did locally, the United States U-19 training team member dealt with an unfamiliar role throughout the regular season at Northwestern. She had just two goals through 12 regular-season games, watching as older players won the Wildcats (16-4) a Big Ten championship over Maryland.

Yet, Hansen was undeterred and came up big during last Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup Syracuse. The midfielder scored twice in an 18-14 win, helping Northwestern reach its 12th Final Four in program history.