Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Tom Agudo / Northwestern Athletics
CHAMPIONS! Field Hockey Clinches Big Ten Title
10/22/2023 2:52:00β―PM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern field hockey is back on top of the Big Ten after clinching a share of the regular season conference title for the first time since 2013. The 'Cats' thrilling 2-1 defeat of No. 4 Rutgers in shootout fashion secured the program's seventh regular-season conference title since 1976 and the second under head coach Tracey Fuchs.
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No. 1 Northwestern remains undefeated against Big Ten opponents this season, carrying a 7-0 conference mark into the final game of the regular season. After falling in their season opener to then-No. 9 Louisville, the 'Cats have run off a program-record 15 straight wins to give them a 15-1 overall record with one left to play. The victory over Rutgers also locked in Northwestern's first undefeated road season in program history.
While Northwestern's trademark in 2023 has been their defense, the 'Cats have also held their own on offense. With two goals in each of their most recent games, they're averaging just under three goals-per-game on the season, which was second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation entering this weekend. Graduate captain Peyton Halsey, who netted the game-winner in the shootout with Rutgers, leads the team with ten goals, but five 'Cats have already scored five or more goals on the season.
On defense, the 'Cats have proven there's nobody better. The one goal Rutgers scored during regulation and overtime play was the first Northwestern had allowed in a month and just the eighth to get past goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz all season. The team's 0.50 goals against average leads the nation, and Skubisz' 11 shutouts are tied for second-most in a single season in Northwestern history.Β
The team's efforts have earned them numerous Big Ten accolades already this season. Ilse Tromp and Olivia Bent-Cole were both named Freshman of the Week, Maja ZivojnovicΒ and Skubisz both earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, and Lauren Wadas was awarded Offensive Player of the Week honors as well.
With a share of the Big Ten Championship already in hand, the 'Cats will return to Lakeside Field on Thursday to face off with Maryland in search of sole possession of the regular-season title. Action begins at 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
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BIG TEN CHAMPS ?? pic.twitter.com/vVF7nbKzVN
β Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 22, 2023
No. 1 Northwestern remains undefeated against Big Ten opponents this season, carrying a 7-0 conference mark into the final game of the regular season. After falling in their season opener to then-No. 9 Louisville, the 'Cats have run off a program-record 15 straight wins to give them a 15-1 overall record with one left to play. The victory over Rutgers also locked in Northwestern's first undefeated road season in program history.
While Northwestern's trademark in 2023 has been their defense, the 'Cats have also held their own on offense. With two goals in each of their most recent games, they're averaging just under three goals-per-game on the season, which was second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation entering this weekend. Graduate captain Peyton Halsey, who netted the game-winner in the shootout with Rutgers, leads the team with ten goals, but five 'Cats have already scored five or more goals on the season.
On defense, the 'Cats have proven there's nobody better. The one goal Rutgers scored during regulation and overtime play was the first Northwestern had allowed in a month and just the eighth to get past goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz all season. The team's 0.50 goals against average leads the nation, and Skubisz' 11 shutouts are tied for second-most in a single season in Northwestern history.Β
The team's efforts have earned them numerous Big Ten accolades already this season. Ilse Tromp and Olivia Bent-Cole were both named Freshman of the Week, Maja ZivojnovicΒ and Skubisz both earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, and Lauren Wadas was awarded Offensive Player of the Week honors as well.
With a share of the Big Ten Championship already in hand, the 'Cats will return to Lakeside Field on Thursday to face off with Maryland in search of sole possession of the regular-season title. Action begins at 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
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Players Mentioned
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