EVANSTON, Ill. – The unbeaten run continues for No. 2 Northwestern, as the Wildcats faced their fifth top-10 opponent this season and once again emerged victorious, defeating No. 9 Harvard, 3-2, on Sunday at Lakeside Field.
TOP ?? VICTORY! #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/DccvgUsQKv
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 13, 2024
In a fast-paced showdown, Olivia Bent-Cole, Ashley Sessa, and Maddie Zimmer powered Northwestern’s offense to secure the win. Now 13-0, the Wildcats are just one win away from tying the program’s best-ever start to a season, set in 1985.
The match started with a bang, as Bent-Cole netted her fifth goal of the season off an assist from Sessa. Harvard responded quickly, leveling the score just over a minute later with a goal from Sage Piekarski. However, Sessa regained the lead for Northwestern in the second quarter, navigating through two defenders before launching a shot past Harvard’s Tessa Shahbo.
To the ROOF! ??
Ashley Sessa’s absolute rocket of a goal ?? https://t.co/GjfcpPvzNE pic.twitter.com/PRIjZT84e3
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 13, 2024
Zimmer extended the Wildcats’ advantage late in the third quarter, driving up the field and unleashing a backhand shot that found the back of the net. Harvard added a late goal with less than three minutes remaining, but Northwestern’s defense held firm, preserving the 3-2 victory.
MADDIE ZIMMER BY HERSELF!
‘Cats lead by ?? pic.twitter.com/XGqlswWiKe
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 13, 2024
The Wildcats dominated offensively, outshooting Harvard 18-8 and recording 11 shots on goal compared to the Crimson’s five. Northwestern also earned seven penalty corners, while Harvard managed just two. Annabel Skubisz, Northwestern’s goalkeeper, made three crucial saves to help seal the win.
Sunday’s victory marks the Wildcats’ second win over an Ivy League opponent this season, following their 3-2 triumph over then-No. 16 Princeton on Sept. 29.
Next up, Northwestern will host Stanford on Friday at 3 p.m. at Lakeside Field, kicking off the program’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
