‘Cats Blank No. 16 Miami (OH) 2-0 in Sunday Non-Conference Clash

EVANSTON, Ill. — The No. 1 Northwestern field hockey team downed No. 16 Miami (OH) 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field. The Wildcats (6-0, 0-0 Big Ten) set season highs in shots (24) and penalty corners (16) in their win over the RedHawks (2-3, 0-0 MAC).

Olivia Bent-Cole recorded a game-high three points (two goals, one assist). She opened her 2026 goal-scoring account on the eventual game-winner. Bree Moffett added a third-quarter goal for her first points as a Wildcat.

The teams combined for 36 shots, but both goalkeepers delivered standout performances to limit the game’s scoring.

The ’Cats looked to set the tempo early, drawing five first-quarter penalty corners and outshooting the visitors 6-1 in the initial 15 minutes. 

Bent-Cole found the breakthrough in the 18th minute, deflecting a Miami (OH) backpass into the cage to give Northwestern a 1-0 lead. The scoring play marked Bent-Cole’s first goal of the season.

Just over five minutes into the second half, Moffett evaded a pair of RedHawk defenders and doubled the Wildcat advantage on a powerful hit. The first-year netted her first-career goal off a Bent-Cole assist.

Northwestern staved off a trio of defensive penalty corners in the third quarter to preserve the shutout.

The ’Cats drew six APCs in the fourth quarter but couldn’t add to their lead, while on the opposite end, the Northwestern defense maintained its infallible form. With five minutes remaining in the contest, Emilie Kirschner contributed a crucial defensive save on the goalmouth to help keep the RedHawks off the board.

Head Coach Tracey Fuchs has now guided the Wildcats to seven wins over Miami (OH) in the past six years. With the victory, Fuchs’ squad has won 13 consecutive games against ranked opponents, dating back to Oct. 17, 2025.

Next up, Northwestern will begin a three-game California road swing with a game against Stanford on Thursday, Sept. 17. The matchup is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.