EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 1 Northwestern (17-0, 7-0 B1G) is ready to defend Lakeside Field one last time in the regular season as they take on No. 4 Ohio State (13-3, 4-3 B1G) this Friday, November 1st, at 3 p.m. CT. The game, themed Together We Win, will be broadcast live on Big Ten Network.
Took care of business ??Big Ten Champs! ?? pic.twitter.com/FViGSQZgrA
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 29, 2024
Northwestern remains undefeated after a stellar week, which included a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against No. 7 Michigan. Maddie Zimmer’s pivotal solo run set up the game-winning goal, earning her Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. The Wildcats followed up with a 5-0 shutout over Michigan State, continuing their dominance in conference play.
Game changer! ??
Maddie Zimmer is your @bigten Offensive Player of the Week after a clutch performance that sealed back-to-back titles for the ‘Cats! ?? pic.twitter.com/8hDuK3SmUA
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 28, 2024
Ohio State, ranked No. 4, heads into Friday’s matchup following a tough stretch, posting a 1-2 record over their last three games, including losses to Rutgers and No. 16 Iowa. The Buckeyes will face a stiff challenge against an undefeated Northwestern squad.
Last season, Northwestern defeated Ohio State twice—once in a 4-3 comeback win during the regular season, thanks to Olivia Bent-Cole’s late goals, and again in a 3-1 victory in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, anchored by Annabel Skubisz’s eight saves.
With a win on Friday, Northwestern would complete their first perfect regular season in program history, carrying momentum into the postseason with the Big Ten Tournament title in their sights.
