NEWTON, Mass. — The No. 1 Northwestern field hockey team completed a weekend sweep at the B1G/ACC Challenge with a 2-0 victory over Boston College at the Boston College Field Hockey Complex on Sunday afternoon.
After a measured start to the matchup, the Wildcats (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten) scored two third-quarter goals to distance themselves from the Eagles (1-3, 0-0 ACC). With the result, head coach Tracey Fuchs and the ‘Cats have now won 11 consecutive games against ACC opponents.
Ashley Sessa and Ilse Tromp each scored goals to lead NU to its fourth consecutive win to start the season.
With her goal, Tromp moved into a tie for 15th all-time in the Wildcats’ career scoring leaderboard, equaling two-time Honda Sport Award winner Maddie Zimmer’s 94 career points.
The ‘Cats outshot the event’s hosts 19-12, with a 9-4 edge in shots on target.
Juliana Boon and the Northwestern defense held firm as the netminder secured her third shutout in four games this season. Boon recorded four saves, three of which came in the first half.
NU rattled off nine first-quarter shots, but Eagle Charlotte Kramer’s five saves preserved a 0-0 scoreline in the initial 15 minutes.
Northwestern fended off four Boston College penalty corners in the second quarter to keep the game scoreless.
Less than three minutes into the second half, Sessa broke the deadlock on a prolific solo effort. Tromp then struck on a penalty corner in the match’s 35th minute, capitalizing on a Laura Salamanca assist to extend the lead to 2-0. Both Sessa and Tromp have scored in consecutive games.
During a dominant third quarter, the ‘Cats outshot the Eagles 5-0, drawing a trio of APC opportunities. Fuchs’ squad carried its defensive momentum into the final 15 minutes, blanking BC on its home turf.
NU is now 10-0 in its past five B1G/ACC Challenge events, last falling in a 2-1 loss to Boston College in 2021.
Northwestern will be back in action at Lakeside Field against No. 15 Louisville on Friday, Sept. 11. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on B1G+.