EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 1 Northwestern kicked off the B1G/ACC Challenge with a statement win, shutting out No. 5 Duke 2-0 at Lakeside Field on Friday.
Tamed the devils ?? #Earnit pic.twitter.com/WngXOZvuj5
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 6, 2024
The Wildcats wasted no time asserting control. Less than four minutes into the game, senior Maddie Zimmer opened the scoring, notching her third goal of the season. Zimmer capitalized on a deflection from sophomore Ilse Tromp's shot, giving Northwestern an early 1-0 lead. Graduate midfielder Lauren Wadas followed suit six minutes later, rifling a shot from the top of the circle past Duke goalkeeper Fred Wollaert. Wadas' second goal of the season, assisted by senior Lauren Hunter and Ashley Sessa, extended the Wildcats' lead to 2-0. The Zimmer-Wadas connection has been a focal point for Northwestern's offense this season, and their early strikes set the tone for the rest of the game.
Maddie Zimmer and Lauren Wadas both tally first-half goals to put the 'Cats up 2?? at the half ??#B1GFieldHockey x @NUFHCats pic.twitter.com/K45wGdmfjN
— Big Ten Field Hockey (@B1GFieldHockey) September 6, 2024
From there, Northwestern's defense took over. Graduate goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz delivered yet another standout performance, turning aside eight shots and earning her second shutout in just three games. Despite a strong third quarter from Duke, which outshot Northwestern 8-1, the Wildcats' defense, led by Tromp, held firm, thwarting all of the Blue Devils' offensive efforts.
The Wildcats' defense has been nearly impenetrable all season, allowing just one goal through three games while outscoring opponents 11-1. Northwestern also had the edge on penalty corners, earning seven to Duke's four.
Northwestern will return to action on Sunday at 3 p.m. when they host No. 17 Boston College at Lakeside Field for the second leg of the B1G/ACC Challenge.