‘Cats Look to Bounce Back Against No. 11 Indiana in Bloomington

EVANSTON, Ill. - The No. 2 Northwestern field hockey team returns to Big Ten play this weekend, visiting No. 11 Indiana on Friday. 

The game between the Wildcats (13-1, 4-0 Big Ten) and the Hoosiers (9-3, 4-0 Big Ten) is slated for Friday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m. CT, and will be streamed on B1G+. Both teams, along with Maryland, are the only three remaining undefeated teams in conference play.

After suffering their first loss of the 2026 season at No. 10 Princeton, the Wildcats look to bounce back in Bloomington, in their seventh ranked contest of the year.

Scouting the Hoosiers

Indiana has achieved its highest ranking since Oct. 10, 2006 this season, currently at No. 11 in the NFHCA Coaches Poll. The Hoosiers have wins over No. 6 Iowa and No. 18 Michigan and have not lost since Sept. 20, as they look to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009.

The Hoosiers have been powered by a strong defense this season, and are tied with Northwestern for the lowest total goals allowed amongst Big Ten teams with nine. 

Indiana second-year Molly Stutte leads her team in points with eight goals and seven assists, ranking fourth in the Big Ten for points. Goalkeeper Sadie Canelli ranks first nationally for goals-against average (.550) and second in save percentage (.871) — Northwestern goalie Juliana Boon is second for the former, and first for the latter.

Northwestern last played Indiana on Sept. 26, 2025, when it won 5-0 at Lakeside Field. The last time the two teams faced off in Bloomington was on Sept. 22, 2024, when a second-quarter goal from alum Greta Hinke powered the ‘Cats to a 1-0 win.

The Wildcats are on a 10-match win streak against the Hoosiers. Northwestern has not dropped a contest to Indiana since Oct. 7, 2016, when it fell 2-1 in Bloomington. Overall, the ‘Cats have a 23-10 series advantage all-time.

Northwestern Players to Watch

Senior forwards Ashley Sessa and Olivia Bent-Cole were the stars of Northwestern’s 2-1 win over No. 6 Iowa on Oct. 6.

Senior back Kerry McCormick scored Northwestern’s sole goal at Princeton, the second of her season and NU career. Though McCormick has started every game for the Wildcats on defense, her goal on Sunday was a milestone offensive accomplishment.

Also against Princeton, sophomore midfielder Jess Freedman recorded a defensive save. It’s only the second defensive save recorded by a player this season, with the first one being from Emilie Kirscher against Miami on Sept. 13.

NFHCA Week Seven Ranking: No. 2. For the first time this season, Northwestern has dropped from the top ranking in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) poll. It received one first-place vote, while the other 10 went to No. 1 Maryland (12-0, 3-0 Big Ten). Last year, the ‘Cats finished the 2025 regular-season ranked No. 2 in the polls, prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament.