Northwestern University Athletics
Sunday, September 29
Evanston, Ill.
Noon
Northwestern
1
vs
0
#9 Michigan
'Cats Pull Off Dramatic Shootout Victory Over No. 9 Michigan
9/29/2019 2:52:00 PM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 7 Northwestern extended its winning streak to eight after a dramatic 1-0 shootout victory over No. 9 Michigan at Lakeside Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Wildcats improve to 10-2 on the season and 3-0 in Big Ten play. This win brings the Wildcats' ranked win count to six, with their last ranked win on Friday over No. 24 Michigan State.
The game remained scoreless across four quarters and two overtime periods, forcing Northwestern to enter a shootout for the second time this season. The 'Cats racked up six shootout goals to Michigan's five, earning their first victory over the Wolverines since 2014.
"We knew if we came in and we played our best, we would have a shot to beat them," head coach Tracey Fuchs said after the game. "I'm just so happy for our seniors who have put in a lot of work in that purple and black uniform, finally they got the victory they deserved."
Michigan almost started off the scoring early in the second quarter off of a corner attempt, but junior goalkeeper Florien Marcussen kept the game scoreless with an impressive save. Marcussen earned her fourth shutout of the season, and tallied five saves. This win marks the tenth game in a row that Northwestern has held their opponent to two goals or fewer.
"We made a good gameplan beforehand and we just really stuck to our own game," senior Saar de Breij, who scored the eventual game-winning goal in the sixth shootout frame, said. "Very proud of the whole team. Our team is so big this year, everyone is really good and can play, and it's just really fun to see everyone bring something else to the team."
The 'Cats closest chance came during the second overtime period, with a rocket of a shot from redshirt first-year forward Bente Baekers. The Wildcats also tallied four corners on the game and outshot the Wolverines, 7-4, in regulation.
The 'Cats return to Lakeside Field on Thursday at 2:30, taking on No. 4 Maryland for another Big Ten matchup.
The Wildcats improve to 10-2 on the season and 3-0 in Big Ten play. This win brings the Wildcats' ranked win count to six, with their last ranked win on Friday over No. 24 Michigan State.
The game remained scoreless across four quarters and two overtime periods, forcing Northwestern to enter a shootout for the second time this season. The 'Cats racked up six shootout goals to Michigan's five, earning their first victory over the Wolverines since 2014.
"We knew if we came in and we played our best, we would have a shot to beat them," head coach Tracey Fuchs said after the game. "I'm just so happy for our seniors who have put in a lot of work in that purple and black uniform, finally they got the victory they deserved."
Michigan almost started off the scoring early in the second quarter off of a corner attempt, but junior goalkeeper Florien Marcussen kept the game scoreless with an impressive save. Marcussen earned her fourth shutout of the season, and tallied five saves. This win marks the tenth game in a row that Northwestern has held their opponent to two goals or fewer.
"We made a good gameplan beforehand and we just really stuck to our own game," senior Saar de Breij, who scored the eventual game-winning goal in the sixth shootout frame, said. "Very proud of the whole team. Our team is so big this year, everyone is really good and can play, and it's just really fun to see everyone bring something else to the team."
The 'Cats closest chance came during the second overtime period, with a rocket of a shot from redshirt first-year forward Bente Baekers. The Wildcats also tallied four corners on the game and outshot the Wolverines, 7-4, in regulation.
The 'Cats return to Lakeside Field on Thursday at 2:30, taking on No. 4 Maryland for another Big Ten matchup.
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