Friday, October 25
Ann Arbor, MI
3:00 p.m. CT
Northwestern
at
#7 Michigan
No. 1 Northwestern Eyes Big Ten Title in Final Road Stretch Against Michigan and Michigan State
10/24/2024 4:55:00 PM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. – The No. 1 ranked Northwestern Wildcats (15-0, 5-0 B1G) are on the cusp of securing another Big Ten regular season title as they prepare for a critical two-game road trip in Michigan. This weekend, the Wildcats will face No. 7 Michigan on Friday, October 25 at 3 p.m. CT (4 p.m. ET) in Ann Arbor before traveling to East Lansing to take on Michigan State on Sunday, October 27 at 12 p.m. CT (1 p.m. ET).
The Wildcats are in prime position to claim at least a share of the Big Ten title with one victory this weekend and can secure the title outright with two wins. Northwestern's perfect 15-0 start has them in control of their own destiny, and the team is aiming to keep its flawless conference record intact as they head into this crucial stretch.
With a win over Michigan on Friday, the Wildcats would clinch a share of the conference championship, and a victory on Sunday would guarantee the outright title.
Friday's Matchup: No. 7 Michigan (11-2, 4-2 B1G)
Northwestern's road trip begins with a high-stakes battle against No. 7 Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines, who are currently 11-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, are one of the Big Ten's top contenders and will be looking to bounce back from a tough 2-0 loss to No. 8 Maryland last weekend. Michigan boasts one of the nation's best defensive units, allowing just 0.92 goals per game, which ranks third in the country. This defensive strength will be put to the test against Northwestern's explosive offense, which leads the conference in goals scored.
The last time these two teams met, Northwestern came away with a narrow 1-0 victory, with Lauren Wadas scoring the game-winner in the 54th minute. Friday's game is expected to be another tightly contested matchup, with both teams battling for postseason positioning and a shot at the Big Ten title. For Michigan, this game is critical to keeping their own title hopes alive, while the Wildcats will be looking to extend their undefeated streak and lock down the championship.
Sunday's Matchup: Michigan State (7-8, 0-5 B1G)
After facing Michigan, Northwestern will close out its regular-season road schedule with a matchup against Michigan State. The Spartans have struggled in conference play this season, entering the weekend with a 7-8 overall record and winless in Big Ten action at 0-5. Michigan State is currently on a two-game losing streak and will first face No. 16 Iowa on Friday before taking on the Wildcats on Sunday.
Last season, Northwestern dominated Michigan State in a 6-0 shutout, with Maja Zivojnovic leading the charge with two goals. The Wildcats' offense, which has been firing on all cylinders this season, will look to replicate that success against a Michigan State team that has allowed an average of 2.8 goals per game in conference play. Sunday's game provides Northwestern with an opportunity to cap off their regular season road schedule in dominant fashion as they head into the postseason.
Key Players to Watch
Sophomore forward Ashley Sessa has been the engine behind Northwestern's offense all season long. Sessa, who was recently named both NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, continues to impress with her playmaking ability. Last weekend, she racked up 11 points with four goals and three assists, bringing her season total to 45 points. Sessa leads the nation in points per game, averaging an astonishing 3.00. Her ability to score in key moments and create opportunities for her teammates has made her one of the most dynamic players in the country.
Northwestern Making History
Northwestern's 15-0 start to the season marks the longest undefeated run in program history, surpassing the 1985 team's 14-0 start. This year's Wildcats have not only set a new program record but have also positioned themselves as one of the favorites for the NCAA Championship. With three games remaining in the regular season, Northwestern is focused on maintaining their perfect record and continuing their quest for a conference title.
The Wildcats are rewriting the record books, and their pursuit of an undefeated season has captured national attention. Head Coach Tracey Fuchs has built a program that consistently competes at the highest level, and this year's team is no exception. With a balanced attack, strong defense, and standout performances from key players, Northwestern has solidified itself as a powerhouse in collegiate field hockey.
Fans can tune in to Friday's highly anticipated matchup against Michigan live on BTN and follow Sunday's contest against Michigan State on B1G+. The Wildcats are closing in on history, and this weekend could be the defining moment in their journey to claim the Big Ten title.
Friday's showdown will be broadcast live on BTN, while Sunday's contest will be available on B1G+.??Ann Arbor
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 24, 2024
Preview ??: https://t.co/JOHnXkfD2j pic.twitter.com/MIUsQWsDeJ
The Wildcats are in prime position to claim at least a share of the Big Ten title with one victory this weekend and can secure the title outright with two wins. Northwestern's perfect 15-0 start has them in control of their own destiny, and the team is aiming to keep its flawless conference record intact as they head into this crucial stretch.
With a win over Michigan on Friday, the Wildcats would clinch a share of the conference championship, and a victory on Sunday would guarantee the outright title.
Northwestern's road trip begins with a high-stakes battle against No. 7 Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines, who are currently 11-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play, are one of the Big Ten's top contenders and will be looking to bounce back from a tough 2-0 loss to No. 8 Maryland last weekend. Michigan boasts one of the nation's best defensive units, allowing just 0.92 goals per game, which ranks third in the country. This defensive strength will be put to the test against Northwestern's explosive offense, which leads the conference in goals scored.
The last time these two teams met, Northwestern came away with a narrow 1-0 victory, with Lauren Wadas scoring the game-winner in the 54th minute. Friday's game is expected to be another tightly contested matchup, with both teams battling for postseason positioning and a shot at the Big Ten title. For Michigan, this game is critical to keeping their own title hopes alive, while the Wildcats will be looking to extend their undefeated streak and lock down the championship.
After facing Michigan, Northwestern will close out its regular-season road schedule with a matchup against Michigan State. The Spartans have struggled in conference play this season, entering the weekend with a 7-8 overall record and winless in Big Ten action at 0-5. Michigan State is currently on a two-game losing streak and will first face No. 16 Iowa on Friday before taking on the Wildcats on Sunday.
Last season, Northwestern dominated Michigan State in a 6-0 shutout, with Maja Zivojnovic leading the charge with two goals. The Wildcats' offense, which has been firing on all cylinders this season, will look to replicate that success against a Michigan State team that has allowed an average of 2.8 goals per game in conference play. Sunday's game provides Northwestern with an opportunity to cap off their regular season road schedule in dominant fashion as they head into the postseason.
Sophomore forward Ashley Sessa has been the engine behind Northwestern's offense all season long. Sessa, who was recently named both NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, continues to impress with her playmaking ability. Last weekend, she racked up 11 points with four goals and three assists, bringing her season total to 45 points. Sessa leads the nation in points per game, averaging an astonishing 3.00. Her ability to score in key moments and create opportunities for her teammates has made her one of the most dynamic players in the country.
Fellow sophomore Piper Borz has also emerged as a critical offensive weapon for the Wildcats. Borz had a standout performance last weekend, tallying nine points with four goals and one assist. As the Wildcats' offense continues to click, Borz and Sessa will be key players to watch this weekend as Northwestern faces two of the Big Ten's most physical defenses.Making her mark ??
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 23, 2024
Once again, Ashley Sessa is named @NFHCA National Offensive Player of the Week! ?? pic.twitter.com/ery74H9lTJ
Northwestern's 15-0 start to the season marks the longest undefeated run in program history, surpassing the 1985 team's 14-0 start. This year's Wildcats have not only set a new program record but have also positioned themselves as one of the favorites for the NCAA Championship. With three games remaining in the regular season, Northwestern is focused on maintaining their perfect record and continuing their quest for a conference title.
The Wildcats are rewriting the record books, and their pursuit of an undefeated season has captured national attention. Head Coach Tracey Fuchs has built a program that consistently competes at the highest level, and this year's team is no exception. With a balanced attack, strong defense, and standout performances from key players, Northwestern has solidified itself as a powerhouse in collegiate field hockey.
Fans can tune in to Friday's highly anticipated matchup against Michigan live on BTN and follow Sunday's contest against Michigan State on B1G+. The Wildcats are closing in on history, and this weekend could be the defining moment in their journey to claim the Big Ten title.
Players Mentioned
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