Top-ranked Northwestern scored the first seven goals and went on to an 18-6 win over the University of Massachusetts women's lacrosse team in the season opener Saturday at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego.

The game was a rematch of last year's NCAA Tournament opening-round contest between the five-time defending national champion Wildcats and the Minutewomen.

Shannon Smith had career highs with six goals and three assists for Northwestern (1-0).

Jackie Lyons, Nina Sarcona, Merritt Cosgrove, Jesse O'Donnell and Ryan Gorman scored for UMass (0-1).

Katie Florence made 13 saves in goal for the Minutewomen, who were outshot 37-14.

UMass returns home to host Holy Cross at 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at McGuirk Stadium.