Northwestern
(18-0 (8-0))
#4 Ohio State
(13-4 (4-4))
No. 1 Northwestern Secures First Undefeated Regular Season in Program History
11/1/2024 5:46:00 PM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. – The top-ranked Wildcats capped off a historic regular season on Friday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over No. 4 Ohio State, completing the first unbeaten season in Northwestern Field Hockey's history.
UNDEFEATED ?? #EarnIt
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 1, 2024
For the first time in program history, the 'Cats have gone undefeated in regular season play. pic.twitter.com/kXCduiwDnK
The victory, Northwestern's seventh against a top-10 opponent this season, finalized their record at a flawless 18-0 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten play. The Wildcats had already secured the Big Ten regular season title but will now look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals next Friday in College Park, Maryland.
Sophomore Ashley Sessa played the hero once again, scoring both goals for Northwestern. This marks the seventh time this season that Sessa has scored multiple goals in a game, continuing her standout performance.
It's the Sessa Show ??#B1GFieldHockey x @NUFHCats pic.twitter.com/dXBHes45nd
— Big Ten Field Hockey (@B1GFieldHockey) November 1, 2024
Her first goal came in the closing minutes of the first quarter, where she deftly slid to redirect a perfectly placed pass from Piper Borz into the net. After Ohio State's Makenna Webster equalized on a penalty stroke, Sessa delivered the game-winner, deflecting a shot from Greta Hinke off a corner in the second quarter.
Statistically, Northwestern dominated, outshooting the Buckeyes 20-6, with 13 shots on goal compared to Ohio State's 4. The Wildcats also earned 12 penalty corners to the Buckeyes' 5.
Incredibly, Friday's contest marked the 15th time in 18 games that Northwestern has held its opponent to one goal or fewer. The Wildcats enter postseason play having outscored their regular-season opponents by a staggering margin of 66-10.
Northwestern will return to action next Friday at 12 p.m. CT in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, facing the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 quarterfinal matchup.
Team Stats
Ashley Sessa (19)
Assisted By: Piper Borz
GOAL by NU Ashley Sessa (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Piper Borz, goal number 19 for season.
10:16
Webster, Makenna (14)
OSU Webster, Makenna PENALTY STROKE GOAL, goal number 14 for season.
16:31
Ashley Sessa (20)
Assisted By: Greta Hinke , Lauren Hunter
GOAL by NU Ashley Sessa, Assist by Greta Hinke and Lauren Hunter, goal number 20 for season.
27:42
