No. 2 ‘Cats Vanquish Virginia in OT, Advance to Fourth Straight Final Four

EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 2 Northwestern is Final Four-bound for the fourth consecutive season, clinching a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Virginia at Lakeside Field on Sunday. Fifth-year standout Lauren Wadas sealed the Wildcats' ticket to Ann Arbor with a blistering game-winning goal less than three minutes into overtime, assisted by Maddie Zimmer and Ashley Sessa.

ANN ARBOR HERE WE COME ?? pic.twitter.com/awYinX8aIJ
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 17, 2024

WADAS. WINNER. ?? pic.twitter.com/4DqNiRD1rL
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 17, 2024

The Wildcats faced one of their toughest tests of the season against the resilient Cavaliers. Virginia struck first with Suze Leemans' second-quarter goal, holding a 1-0 advantage into halftime. Northwestern answered with resolve in the third quarter. Elaine Velthuizen equalized just 1:29 into the frame, and Sessa followed up with a go-ahead goal with 4:15 remaining in the quarter.

Virginia forced overtime with a fourth-quarter strike from Daniela Mendez-Trendler, but Northwestern dominated the extra period, culminating in Wadas' heroics.

The Wildcats outshot the Cavaliers 13-6, including a 9-5 edge in shots on goal, and held a decisive 9-3 advantage in penalty corners.

The victory marks Northwestern's seventh overall appearance in the Final Four and extends its streak as the only team to make each of the last four national semifinals. The Wildcats will face UMass in Ann Arbor on Friday, a rematch of their commanding 6-1 win earlier this season at Lakeside Field. Northwestern is now just two wins away from its second national championship.

Game Notes

Lauren Wadas: Recorded her 27th career goal and 14th game-winner. All four of her career NCAA Tournament goals have been decisive, including against Iowa (2021), Miami (OH) (2023), Louisville (2023), and Virginia (2024).
Ashley Sessa: Tallied a goal and an assist, marking her seventh multi-point game this season. She ranks top two nationally with 23 goals (2nd), 17 assists (t-1st), and 63 points (1st).
Elaine Velthuizen: Scored her second goal of the season to tie the game early in the third quarter.
Northwestern Milestones:
- Improved to 21-1 on the season, tying the program record for wins (21-2, 2023).
- Now 5-8 all-time against Virginia and 4-1 in Evanston.
- Improved to 2-0 in overtime this season and 6-4 in NCAA Tournament overtime games.
- Holds a 2-0 record against Virginia in NCAA Tournament history, with their previous win in the 1982 First Round (4-2).

Absolute SCENES in Evanston ?? pic.twitter.com/YSzSGmzqGe
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 17, 2024

With their fourth straight Final Four appearance secured, the Wildcats turn their focus to Ann Arbor, where they'll look to build on an already historic season and chase the program's ultimate goal: a national championship.