‘Cats Fall to Feisty No. 8 Princeton, 3-2

Monday, October 13

Evanston, Ill.

2 p.m. CT

Northwestern

(11-1 (3-0Big Ten))

Princeton

(8-3 (3-1Ivy))

Princeton

Northwestern

Photo by: Northwestern Athletics

‘Cats Fall to Feisty No. 8 Princeton, 3-2

10/13/2025 8:38:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

EVANSTON, Ill. - Despite two goals on its home turf, the No. 1 Northwestern field hockey team fell short on Monday afternoon, as it was dealt its first loss of the season, 3-2, by No. 8 Princeton.

The Wildcats (11-1, 3-0 Big Ten) hosted the Tigers (8-3, 3-1 Ivy) for their final non-conference matchup of the season, to find themselves outmatched by efficiency on the field. The top-10 teams were even in shots on goal, but Princeton excelled on its fewer, yet more lucrative, penalty corners and overall shots.

Junior forwards Ashley Sessa and Piper Borz got on the board, with their eighth and fifth goals of the season, respectively, but it was not enough to ward off the Tigers.

The top-10 matchup got off to a hot start for the Tigers, as Pru Lindsey took a shot on goal within the first minute of play. Redshirt goalkeeper Juliana Boon came up with the save, but could not keep Princeton off the board for much longer, as the Tigers scored on a ninth-minute penalty corner. The Tigers and 'Cats each took three shots in the first quarter, with one corner and one save apiece.

Princeton started the second period with two shots, followed by four penalty corners for the 'Cats. Sessa inserted on the fourth corner attempt, setting Maddie Zimmer up for the stop. Maja Zivojnovic delivered the ball to Borz for the deflection, which the junior forward cashed in for the equalizer. Her fifth goal of the season, Borz tied things up, pushing the score to 1-1 at the half.

The third quarter opened with two shots from Tiger Saylor Milone, followed by Princeton's second corner of the day. Again, the Ivy League foes came up with a goal, regaining the lead in the 38th minute. Northwestern fired off five more shots, but reached the end of the period, trailing 2-1.

First half flicks ?? pic.twitter.com/GJGVpXZc23
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 13, 2025

Dual green cards for the 'Cats gave the visitors a field advantage early in the fourth period, taking two shots and another penalty corner. Princeton pushed its corner conversions to 3-for-4, scoring in the 49th minute, and dealing Northwestern its first two-point deficit of the year.

With just over four minutes remaining, the NU offense used its speed to pressure the Tigers' cage. Princeton transfer Grace Schulze set up a precise pass to Sessa, who buried the ball, returning the tally to a one-point game, trailing 3-2. Attempting to tie up the game, the 'Cats pulled Boon from the cage to gain another offensive player. Despite three penalty corners in the final minute, Northwestern fell, 3-2.

Suffering its first loss of the season and first game to surrender multiple goals, NU fell to 11-1 (3-0 Big Ten) on Monday afternoon. The 'Cats still lead the head-to-head, but the series history is now 3-2.

Boon faced a season and career-high eight shots, posting five saves and allowing three goals. Sessa led the 'Cats in shots, taking five, while Ilse Tromp tallied the most shots on goal for NU, with two.

Northwestern resumes Big Ten play on the road this weekend, traveling to No. 14 Rutgers and No. 12 Maryland. NU visits the Scarlet Knights on Friday, Oct. 17, slated for a 3 p.m. CT pass-back. Two days later, the 'Cats meet the Terrapins on Sunday, Oct. 19, at noon CT.