Northwestern
#14 UMass
Wildcats Set for Final Four Clash Against UMass
11/21/2024 2:09:00 PM | Field Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Northwestern Field Hockey is on the brink of history as the Wildcats prepare to face UMass in the NCAA Final Four on Friday, Nov. 22, at Phyllis Ocker Field. The game, set for 2 p.m. CT, will air live on ESPN+, with Leah Secondo and Suzanne Bush on the call.
Set for the Semi ?? pic.twitter.com/OfxYNuGzHi
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 21, 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, the Wildcats have advanced to the sport's biggest stage, solidifying their place among the elite programs in NCAA Division I history. Only North Carolina, Maryland, and Old Dominion have achieved this level of consistency. With a win, Northwestern would return to the National Championship game for the fourth straight season, an accomplishment matched only by those same storied programs.
Off to Ann Arbor ????
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) November 20, 2024
Thanks for the sendoff @NU_Sports ?? pic.twitter.com/K8lRjwBXGC
The Wildcats' run this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Northwestern opened the year with a program-best 19-0 record, sweeping through a schedule loaded with 13 ranked opponents, including four top-five teams. Head coach Tracey Fuchs, the architect of this powerhouse program, has guided the team to remarkable success, including the program's first NCAA title in 2021.
Their opponent, UMass, brings its own credentials to the matchup. The Minutewomen enter with a 17-5 record and an Atlantic 10 championship. But when the two teams met earlier this season, Northwestern left no doubt. The Wildcats dominated UMass in a 6-1 victory on Sept. 1, holding the Minutewomen without a shot until late in the second quarter. Maddie Zimmer scored twice, and Ashley Sessa dished out three assists in that commanding performance.
Sessa, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, has been the engine of Northwestern's offense all season. The junior ranks among the nation's leaders in goals, assists, and points per game, and her ability to deliver in critical moments has set the tone for the Wildcats. She scored a pivotal goal and assisted on the game-winner in last week's overtime thriller against Virginia, showcasing the poise that has made her one of the most dangerous players in the country.
But Northwestern's success isn't just about offense. Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz has been a fortress in the cage, particularly in Final Four moments. Over the past three seasons, she has allowed just one goal in three Final Four games. This year, she ranks second in the nation in goals-against average, proving she can rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
The Wildcats' relentless pursuit of excellence has defined their season. They've excelled in pressure situations, with five come-from-behind wins and a stellar 12-3 record in overtime games since 2022. Whether it's Sessa orchestrating the attack, Zimmer's clutch consistency, or Skubisz's game-saving stops, Northwestern has consistently delivered when it matters most.
Friday's game is more than a semifinal—it's a chance for Northwestern to cement its legacy as one of the greatest programs in the history of collegiate field hockey. With their eyes set on reclaiming the national championship, the Wildcats are ready to take the next step in their remarkable journey.
Stay tuned for updates and follow the action live on ESPN+ or StatBroadcast.
