No. 1 Northwestern Extends Undefeated Start With 3-1 Win Over No. 14 Louisville

EVANSTON, Ill. —  The No. 1 Northwestern field hockey team defeated No. 14 Louisville 3-1 in a battle of then-undefeated squads on Friday afternoon at Lakeside Field.

Kiera Sack, Sol Martinez and Ilse Tromp each found the back of the cage in a decisive win for the Wildcats (5-0, 0-0 Big Ten). Friday marks the first time multiple Wildcat first-years have recorded goals in a single game since Olivia Bent-Cole and Tromp both scored in a 3-0 win over Miami (OH) on Nov. 10, 2023.

The hosts outshot the Cardinals (4-1, 0-0 ACC) 18-10 — a figure that includes a 17-3 edge in the match’s first 45 minutes. Piper Borz, Ashley Sessa, Emilie Kirschner and Ella Kokinis all posted an assist.

Less than six minutes into the game, Sack collected a Borz pass and fired in her first career goal. The play marked Borz’s third helper of the season, tying her 2025 season total.

Remaining active in the circle following NU’s second penalty corner of the afternoon, Martinez doubled the lead in the match’s 17th minute. Martinez’s goal ultimately proved the game-winner. The first-year has tallied goals in two of the last three games.

While Northwestern displayed a relentless offensive presence throughout the first half, Louisville goalie Emily Young’s five second-quarter saves kept the score at 2-0 through 30 minutes of action.

Late in the third quarter, Tromp delivered her fourth goal of the season on an APC. The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has scored eight points in her past three games played.

The ’Cats faced significant defensive pressure in the fourth quarter but seldom relented. Louisville recorded seven of its 10 shots and four of its five penalty corners in the final 15 minutes.

Northwestern has picked up a pair of ranked victories this season and has the opportunity to add a third against No. 16 Miami (OH) on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Lakeside Field. The contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on B1G+.