Northwestern Opens Season with 2-0 Victory Over VCU

EVANSTON, Ill. - The No. 1 Northwestern field hockey team opened its 2026 campaign with a 2-0 victory over the VCU Rams on Friday at home. The Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 B1G) scored twice in the second quarter to claim the Lakeside Field win.

Senior Ella Kokinis and sophomore Jessica Freedman each tallied goals for NU, helping the ‘Cats to their first victory of the season, with junior Juliana Boon in the cage for the shutout. The Friday matchup showcased both teams’ defense, as Northwestern was held to just eight shots, and the Rams (0-1, 0-0 A10) to four.

Boon collected two saves on a pair of shots on goal from VCU’s Preseason All-A10 selection Josefina Vaentimiglia. The Rams’ Emma Clements, 2025 A10 Goalkeeper of the Year, faced shots from five different ‘Cats, turning three away.

After no shots were taken in the first quarter, NU started the second hot. Aerin Krys found Kokinis in the circle, where the midfielder put the ball in the back of the cage to put NU on the board. Just three minutes later, the ‘Cats took their first of seven corners to extend the lead to two. Freedman handled the insert for NU, taken by Martinez, and put the ball away with a rebounded save.

NFHCA Watchlist honorees Ilse Tromp and Laura Slamanca each took two shots, with one on goal apiece. Piper Borz matched the team-leading offensive effort, with Krys contributing one assist in NU’s win.

The home-opening matchup began with a celebration of Northwestern’s 2025 championship season and a banner reveal with former captain Greta Hinke, as well as Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson and Northwestern President Mung Chiang.

With the victory, the 'Cats are now 5-1 in their last six home season-openers. Northwestern also improves to 3-1-0 all-time against the Rams.

The Wildcats are back in action on Sunday, Aug. 28, against Lafayette at Lakeside Field. The 11 a.m. CT matchup will be streamed on B1G+.