Northwestern
(2-0)
VCU
(1-1)
NU Defense Dominates in 3-0 Win at VCU
9/1/2025 2:43:00 PM | Field Hockey
RICHMOND, Va. - The No. 1 Northwestern field hockey team (2-0) recorded its first consecutive shutouts to open a season since 2011 with a 3-0 victory over VCU (1-1) on Monday afternoon. The Wildcats' defense was dominant, allowing only one shot by the Rams, the fewest by a Wildcat opponent since a 5-0 victory over Kent State on October 20, 2019.
Aerin Krys, Maja Zivojnovic and Ella Kokinis all tallied goals for the 'Cats, Zivojnovic and Kokinis each scoring their first goal of the season.
The 'Cats started the first quarter with three corners controlling offensive possession. Krys was the first to score, putting NU on the board unassisted in the 10th minute.
The Northwestern defense was stout, not allowing a single shot from the Rams in the first half. While the 'Cats took six shots in the second period, VCU goalkeeper Emma Clements notched two saves, keeping the lead at 1-0 for NU.
Early in the second half, a VCU foul set up the 'Cats for a corner. Assisted by Ashley Sessa and Krys, Zivojnovic cashed in the goal, pushing NU ahead to 2-0 in the 34th minute.
Kokinis tallied her first goal of the season with just over five minutes remaining. With the assist from Piper Borz, the junior extended the 'Cats lead to 3-0. NU closed out the game on top, improving to 2-0 on the 2025 season.
Labor Day ?? ?
Another 'Cats shutout victory in Richmond!
NU 3 - VCU 0 pic.twitter.com/Omks6ISXXv— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 1, 2025
VCU's zero first half shots are the fewest since the Wildcat defense prevented Maine from recording a first half shot on August 30, 2024. NU's defense in 2024 on average allowed seven shots per game, while the Rams averaged 15.4 shots per game last year.
Northwestern stays on the road for another weekend of away games, facing No. 5 Duke and No. 8 Boston College on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7 respectively. The top-10 battles in Durham, N.C., will be broadcast on ACC Network.
Team Stats
Aerin Krys
GOAL by Northwestern Aerin Krys (FIRST GOAL)
9:22
Maja Zivojnovic
Assisted By: Ashley Sessa , Aerin Krys
GOAL by Northwestern Maja Zivojnovic, Assist by Ashley Sessa and Aerin Krys
34:02
Ella Kokinis
Assisted By: Piper Borz
GOAL by Northwestern Ella Kokinis, Assist by Piper Borz
53:06
