COLLEGE PARK, Md. – No. 2 Northwestern continued its dominant start to the season with a gritty 1-0 victory over No. 5 Maryland on Friday night, marking their ninth straight win and fourth over a top-10 opponent.
TERP TAKEDOWN ??#EarnIt pic.twitter.com/p4tOH0AqwC
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 27, 2024
The Wildcats’ defense proved impenetrable once again, stifling Maryland’s attack throughout the game. A crucial moment came with 7:14 remaining, as Maryland earned a penalty corner, desperately seeking the equalizer. Northwestern’s defense, however, stood tall, not allowing the Terrapins to even register a shot. Playing shorthanded after first-year Laura Salamanca was issued a yellow card, the Wildcats weathered a late Maryland surge to secure the shutout.
On the offensive end, sophomore Ilse Tromp delivered the decisive blow, netting the only goal of the match on a perfectly executed drag flick with 4:31 left in the first quarter. Assisted by Ashley Sessa and Lauren Hunter, Tromp showcased her offensive prowess, leading the game with seven shots—six of which were on target. No other player from either side managed more than three attempts.
The ‘Cats strike early ??
Goal No. 3? for Ilse Tromp in 2024. pic.twitter.com/NZICs7dvD1
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 27, 2024
The Wildcats outpaced Maryland in total shots, 13-8, and dominated in penalty corners, earning 11 to the Terrapins’ seven.
In goal, graduate Annabel Skubisz continued her stellar season with her eighth shutout, stopping all four shots she faced. Skubisz, recently named the NFHCA Division I Defensive Player of the Week, boasts a remarkable 0.11 goals against average and a .974 save percentage.
Northwestern will look to extend its unbeaten run as they head to New Jersey to face No. 16 Princeton at 11 a.m. CT on Sunday.
