Northwestern
#9 Harvard
Undefeated No. 2 Northwestern Hosts No. 9 Harvard in Top-10 Showdown
10/12/2024 3:07:00 PM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. — No. 2 Northwestern (12-0) returns to Lakeside Field this Sunday, October 13, at 11 a.m. CT for a crucial top-10 clash against No. 9 Harvard (10-1). The Wildcats are looking to extend their perfect start to the season, with the 12-0 record marking the second-best start in program history, trailing only the 1985 team's 14-0 run. The game will be streamed live on B1G+ with Dylan Friedland and Noah Coffman calling the action, and fans attending will receive a rally towel giveaway.
Celebrate PRIDE with us tomorrow! ??
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 12, 2024
Our athletes share their thoughts on what it means to be a true ally and to embrace who you are??? pic.twitter.com/PKyGIjDxst
Northwestern's dominance has been on full display, particularly in last week's commanding 7-2 victory over No. 17 Penn State. The Wildcats' offense, already one of the most potent in the nation, erupted with a season-high seven goals, including two quick scoring bursts that left no doubt about their firepower. Leading the charge for the Wildcats is Ashley Sessa, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and NFHCA National Player of the Week. Sessa delivered a remarkable 11-point weekend with 5 goals and 1 assist.
This season, Northwestern has proven itself as a national contender, matching the program's best performances while continuing to build momentum with each game. With only one game this week, the Wildcats will enter Sunday's contest well-rested, ready to take on a tough Harvard squad.
Harvard, at 10-1, has had an impressive season but will face their toughest test yet against an undefeated Northwestern team that has rolled past opponents all year. The Crimson's only loss came in a 3-2 overtime defeat to No. 19 UAlbany, and while they boast ranked wins over No. 16 UConn and No. 18 Wake Forest, they haven't yet encountered a team as explosive as the Wildcats.
The last meeting between these two teams was a close 2-1 victory for Northwestern in 2021, but with the Wildcats hitting their stride and seeking to defend their home turf, they'll be aiming for another decisive win. Harvard's disciplined defense will have its hands full trying to contain Northwestern's multifaceted attack, which has been relentless in Big Ten play.
This matchup is crucial not only for Northwestern's pursuit of an undefeated season but also for postseason positioning, with both teams ranked among the nation's top programs. As the Wildcats inch closer to their historic 1985 start, Sunday's showdown offers another opportunity to prove why they're one of the top teams in the country.
