Northwestern
Maine
Field Hockey Set to Open 2024 Season at Home Against Maine and UMass
8/29/2024 5:50:00 PM | Field Hockey
EVANSTON, Ill. – The top-ranked Northwestern Field Hockey team is ready to kick off its highly anticipated 2024 season with a home-opening weekend at Lakeside Field. The Wildcats, who are coming off their third consecutive trip to the National Championship title game, will face the University of Maine on Friday, August 30 at 11 a.m., followed by a matchup against UMass on Sunday, September 1 at noon. Both games will be aired live on B1G+.
It all starts tomorrow ??
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) August 29, 2024
Listen to the newest episode of #NUFHSaid to hear Head Coach Tracey Fuchs' thoughts on the upcoming season ??????
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Aiming for the Top: Wildcats Enter as Preseason No. 1
After a strong 2023 campaign, Northwestern starts the new season ranked No. 1 in the NFHCA Preseason Poll. The Wildcats lead a competitive field, sitting above No. 2 North Carolina, the team that edged them out in last fall's national championship. This ranking underscores the Wildcats' determination to reclaim the title they won in 2021.
New Faces and Olympic Talent
Northwestern's 2024 roster features seven new additions, including six first-years and one standout transfer, Ashley Sessa from North Carolina. Sessa, along with senior Maddie Zimmer, returns to the Wildcats after representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer. Sessa made an impact on the world stage, scoring against Argentina, and is expected to bring her international experience back to Lakeside Field.
In her freshman year at UNC, Sessa started all 21 games during the team's undefeated season, earning All-South Region and Second-Team All-ACC honors. She tallied 23 points on nine goals and five assists, including a hat trick in the season opener against Michigan.
Familiar Foes: Maine and UMass
The Wildcats will face familiar opponents in Maine and UMass. Last season, Northwestern defeated Maine 3-0, a victory that marked head coach Tracey Fuchs' 200th career win. Lane Herbert, Ilse Tromp, and Olivia Bent-Cole were the goal scorers in that match. This will be the eighth all-time meeting between the programs, with Northwestern holding a 5-2 advantage.
On Sunday, the Wildcats will take on UMass, a team they last faced during a trip to Orono, Maine, where they secured a 3-0 victory. Maja Zivojnovic, who scored in that game, returns to strengthen the Wildcats' lineup this season. Historically, Northwestern holds a 4-5 record against the Minutewomen.
B1G Players to Watch
This week, three Wildcats were named to the B1G Players to Watch list: goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz, the Olympic-experienced Ashley Sessa, and veteran Maddie Zimmer. Their leadership and skill will be crucial as Northwestern embarks on what promises to be another thrilling season.
Neutral Site Action
In addition to Northwestern's games, Lakeside Field will host a neutral site matchup between Maine and UMass on Saturday, August 31 at 10 a.m.
With a preseason No. 1 ranking and a talented roster bolstered by new and returning stars, Northwestern Field Hockey is set to begin its 2024 season with a bang. Fans can catch all the action live on B1G+ as the Wildcats look to set the tone for another run at the national title. Admission is free.
