Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Rutgers
Wildcats Advance in Big Ten Tournament, Beat Rutgers 2-0
11/8/2024 2:53:00 PM | Field Hockey
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Top-seeded Northwestern (19-0) continued its historic season with a dominant 2-0 victory over Rutgers (8-9) in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday. The Wildcats, fresh off sweeping the Big Ten's top honors earlier this week, earned the regular-season title and are now one step closer to a conference tournament championship.
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND ?? #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/jc2cnqM0XH
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 8, 2024
Ashley Sessa wasted no time putting Northwestern on the board, scoring just 56 seconds into the game. Her 21st goal of the season, assisted by Lauren Wadas, gave the Wildcats an early lead. Maddie Zimmer extended the advantage late in the fourth quarter, finding the back of the net with a goal assisted by Olivia Bent-Cole.
Get ?? there!
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 8, 2024
Sessa's early goal puts the 'Cats in front ?? pic.twitter.com/U2P9Dm6QE5
Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz recorded two saves and secured her 35th career shutout, setting a new program record. Her stellar performance helped the Wildcats maintain their undefeated record as they head into the semifinals.
Open goal + Maddie Zimmer , you know what comes next ?? pic.twitter.com/GpzrCXzWt5
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 8, 2024
Northwestern's performance followed a week of individual accolades, with Sessa earning Player of the Year, Zimmer named Offensive Player of the Year, and Skubisz honored as Goalkeeper of the Year. Head Coach Tracey Fuchs also claimed Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, marking the first time since 2006 that a Big Ten team has swept the conference's major awards.
The Wildcats will face the winner of Michigan vs. Maryland on Sunday at 10 a.m. CT at the University of Maryland's Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex for the championship match. The match will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, with Jack Kizer and Kara Lentz on the call.
