ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Northwestern has clinched the Big Ten Regular Season title for the second consecutive season with its Friday afternoon 2-1 overtime win over Michigan.
BACK TO BACK ?? #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/mVVB94V9zc
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 25, 2024
It is the first time that the Wildcats have won the Big Ten in back-to-back seasons since 1984-85. It is also the program’s eighth Big Ten regular season title overall and the third under Head Coach Tracey Fuchs.
Chloe Relford opened the scoring for the ‘Cats, putting Northwestern up 1-0 in the third quarter. Michigan responded to tie the game with just over five minutes remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. In overtime, Maddie Zimmer cut through the Michigan defense and fired a shot that was saved by the Wolverine goalkeeper. Lauren Wadas pounced on the rebound and put it away to secure the 2-1 win and the Big Ten Regular Season Crown for the Cardiac ‘Cats.
GOAL! LAUREN WADAS CLINCHES THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE ‘CATS! ?? pic.twitter.com/fgRd4kWfNR
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 25, 2024
The ‘Cats are 16-0 and off to the best start in program history, which was previously held by the 1985 team’s 14-0 start. The team has outscored opponents 59-9, leading the nation in goal differential.
Northwestern has never won the outright Big Ten title in consecutive seasons and will look to do so as it closes out regular season play.
The ‘Cats will close out its season with Michigan State (Oct. 27) on the road and Ohio State at home (Nov. 1). After that, the Wildcats will head to College Park for the Big Ten Tournament from Nov. 7-10. The NCAA Tournament First Round is scheduled for Nov. 15 at campus sites.
