Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, November 4
Columbus, Ohio
3 P.M. CT
Northwestern
(17-3)
2
vs
1
#2 Maryland
(17-3)
1
2
3
4
F
Northwestern
1
1
0
0
2
Maryland
0
0
1
0
1
Northwestern Advances to Big Ten Championship with 2-1 Win Over Maryland
11/4/2022 3:58:00 PM | Field Hockey
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three-seed and No. 4 Northwestern upset two-seed and No. 2 Maryland 2-1 in the Big Ten semifinals Friday, advancing to the conference championship for the first time since 2014. The Wildcats have now won seven straight games, a streak dating back to their win over Michigan State on October 14.
Alia Marshall opened the scoring under five minutes into the contest, redirecting Maddie Zimmer's shot on the second penalty corner of the game. It marked Marshall's second goal of the season and her fourth career postseason goal, the most recent coming in last year's national championship game. Marshall has now recorded at least one point in five straight games.
Zimmer earned the assist on the opening strike, her first of the year. The junior, who was named first-team All-Big Ten earlier this week, has dominated in the postseason during her time in Evanston, scoring seven career points in the playoffs.
The quick strike was Northwestern's second fastest of the season, the fastest coming in the first meeting with the Terps when Bente Baekers scored two minutes, 50 seconds into the contest.
Not satisfied, the Wildcats extended the lead five minutes before halftime. Northwestern drew a penalty stroke for the second straight game off a shot from Baekers illegally stopped by a Maryland defender. Team captain Peyton Halsey stepped to the spot and sank the goal into the bottom left corner.
It marked the second straight game Halsey has scored off a penalty stroke, having sank a walk-off goal from the spot in overtime Thursday to send Northwestern to the semifinals. The senior is now a perfect four-of-four on penalty strokes this season.
The Wildcats took the 2-0 lead into the second half where Maryland managed a goal in the 43rd minute, but it wouldn't be enough as that 2-1 scoreline held as the clock hit triple zeroes.
Northwestern again dominated in shots and penalty corners, winning the respective categories 21-14 and 8-3. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz anchored the Wildcats' defense with five saves.
Captain and 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Kayla Blas played her 100th career game to become the first player in Northwestern history to reach triple-digit games.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will meet Michigan Sunday in the championship match, Northwestern's second-ever appearance in the title game. The final is set to begin at 11 a.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.
Alia Marshall opened the scoring under five minutes into the contest, redirecting Maddie Zimmer's shot on the second penalty corner of the game. It marked Marshall's second goal of the season and her fourth career postseason goal, the most recent coming in last year's national championship game. Marshall has now recorded at least one point in five straight games.
'CATS STRIKE FIRST ??
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 4, 2022
Alia Marshall connects on the deflection to put the Wildcats in front 1-0 in the fifth minute! pic.twitter.com/Y4hV8Abjam
Zimmer earned the assist on the opening strike, her first of the year. The junior, who was named first-team All-Big Ten earlier this week, has dominated in the postseason during her time in Evanston, scoring seven career points in the playoffs.
The quick strike was Northwestern's second fastest of the season, the fastest coming in the first meeting with the Terps when Bente Baekers scored two minutes, 50 seconds into the contest.
Not satisfied, the Wildcats extended the lead five minutes before halftime. Northwestern drew a penalty stroke for the second straight game off a shot from Baekers illegally stopped by a Maryland defender. Team captain Peyton Halsey stepped to the spot and sank the goal into the bottom left corner.
Halsey STILL perfect ????????
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 4, 2022
The captain sinks the penalty stroke and Northwestern goes up 2-0!!! pic.twitter.com/3IgvBrrndT
It marked the second straight game Halsey has scored off a penalty stroke, having sank a walk-off goal from the spot in overtime Thursday to send Northwestern to the semifinals. The senior is now a perfect four-of-four on penalty strokes this season.
The Wildcats took the 2-0 lead into the second half where Maryland managed a goal in the 43rd minute, but it wouldn't be enough as that 2-1 scoreline held as the clock hit triple zeroes.
Northwestern again dominated in shots and penalty corners, winning the respective categories 21-14 and 8-3. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz anchored the Wildcats' defense with five saves.
Captain and 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Kayla Blas played her 100th career game to become the first player in Northwestern history to reach triple-digit games.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will meet Michigan Sunday in the championship match, Northwestern's second-ever appearance in the title game. The final is set to begin at 11 a.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.
Team Stats
NW
UMD
Goals
2
1
Shots
21
14
Shots on Goal
9
7
Saves
6
7
Corners
8
3
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
0
0
Scoring Plays
Marshall,Alia (2)
Assisted By: Zimmer,Maddie
shot by 8, re-directed in front of goal
4:20
Halsey,Peyton (12)
NW Halsey,Peyton PENALTY STROKE GOAL, goal number 12 for season.
24:48
Hope Rose (14)
Assisted By: Rayne Wright
shot into lower left corner off penalty
42:47
Game Leaders
Shots
4
SOG
2
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
7
SOG
3
Goals
0
Assists
0
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