Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Third-Quarter Scoring Explosion Lifts No. 1 Northwestern Past Penn 4-3
9/16/2022 3:24:00 PM | Field Hockey
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – No. 1 Northwestern scored three goals in the third quarter to beat Penn X-X on the road Friday. The win improved the Wildcats' record to 7-0 and marked their 11th win in a row dating back to last season.
The Quakers struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. It marked the end of a 10-hour, 21-minute stretch of game action dating back to Nov. 4, 2021 over which Northwestern never trailed.
Maddie Zimmer answered eight minutes later, taking it herself from midfield into the shooting circle for a heroic solo goal. It marked her second of the season and came one day after the reigning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player was named to the NFHCA Collegiate Watch List.
Down 2-1 coming out of halftime, Northwestern's attack opened the floodgates.
Ana Medina Garcia deflected a Bente Baekers into the back of the cage to equalize in the 35th minute, her fourth goal of the season. Medina Garcia has now scored in four of the last five games. The assist was Baekers' third of the year.
Baekers, the reigning Big Ten and NFHCA Offensive Player of the Week, scored herself just moments later to give Northwestern its first lead of the game and a lead it held until the final whistle. The goal was Baekers' 13th of the year and added to her nation leading total. She has scored in all seven games to start the season.
Lauren Wadas earned the assist on Baekers' goal and just over a minute later scored her first of the season. Wadas also joined Zimmer, Baekers, Kayla Blas and goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz on the NFHCA Watch List.
Penn added another goal late in the third quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome Northwestern's offensive avalanche in the frame. The Wildcats' defense held firm in the fourth to secure the victory.
Northwestern again dominated on shots, winning the battle X-X. Even when they were down at halftime, the Wildcats held a 19-3 advantage in shots, shots that ultimately broke through in the third.
Chicago's Big Ten Team travels one state east to wrap up the weekend road trip at No. 8 Princeton on Sunday. Game time is set for 11 a.m. CT and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
The Quakers struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. It marked the end of a 10-hour, 21-minute stretch of game action dating back to Nov. 4, 2021 over which Northwestern never trailed.
Maddie Zimmer answered eight minutes later, taking it herself from midfield into the shooting circle for a heroic solo goal. It marked her second of the season and came one day after the reigning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player was named to the NFHCA Collegiate Watch List.
Wow wow wow!!!! ??
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 16, 2022
Maddie Zimmer goes midfield to goal for her second goal of the season in the first half.#B1GCats | #NUFH pic.twitter.com/MwMRfbxJiu
Down 2-1 coming out of halftime, Northwestern's attack opened the floodgates.
Ana Medina Garcia deflected a Bente Baekers into the back of the cage to equalize in the 35th minute, her fourth goal of the season. Medina Garcia has now scored in four of the last five games. The assist was Baekers' third of the year.
Baekers, the reigning Big Ten and NFHCA Offensive Player of the Week, scored herself just moments later to give Northwestern its first lead of the game and a lead it held until the final whistle. The goal was Baekers' 13th of the year and added to her nation leading total. She has scored in all seven games to start the season.
Lauren Wadas earned the assist on Baekers' goal and just over a minute later scored her first of the season. Wadas also joined Zimmer, Baekers, Kayla Blas and goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz on the NFHCA Watch List.
Penn added another goal late in the third quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome Northwestern's offensive avalanche in the frame. The Wildcats' defense held firm in the fourth to secure the victory.
Northwestern again dominated on shots, winning the battle X-X. Even when they were down at halftime, the Wildcats held a 19-3 advantage in shots, shots that ultimately broke through in the third.
Chicago's Big Ten Team travels one state east to wrap up the weekend road trip at No. 8 Princeton on Sunday. Game time is set for 11 a.m. CT and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Team Stats
NU
PENN
Goals
4
3
Shots
24
4
Shots on Goal
15
3
Saves
0
11
Corners
11
3
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
0
0
Scoring Plays

Elita Van Staden (1)
ball in middle of circle, turn and shot
19:35

Zimmer,Maddie
GOAL by NU Zimmer,Maddie.
27:51

Gracyn Banks (1)
GOAL by PENN Gracyn Banks, goal number 1 for season.
29:13

Garcia,Ana Medina
Assisted By: Baekers,Bente
3 pass from left side, 20 with redirect
33:43

Baekers,Bente
Assisted By: Wadas,Lauren
2 with pass from right end line next to
37:32

Wadas,Lauren
GOAL by NU Wadas,Lauren.
38:39

Courtney Kenah (2)
Assisted By: Elita Van Staden
off corner, 4 lays down insert, 13 fires
43:42
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
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Field Hockey - Northwestern Overwhelms Indiana in Big Ten Opener, 5-0
Monday, September 29
Field Hockey - NU Claims 5-0 Victory at Villanova (9/21/25)
Monday, September 22