Playoff women’s soccer was back in Evanston for the first time since 2017, and the ‘Cats were eager to make the most of it.

I am proud to report that they did. Let’s break down the team’s first playoff win in five years.

Oct. 30 vs. No. 20 Rutgers

Northwestern earned the two seed in the Big Ten tournament, meaning seventh-seeded Rutgers had the privilege of coming to Evanston once again this season (the teams drew in Evanston on Sept. 29).

On paper, this matchup was far closer than the seeding seemed to suggest.