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ROOTED IN EXCELLENCE #CatsWin pic.twitter.com/vP5H8silB2
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 18, 2024
The Wildcats wasted no time asserting their control over the game. Sophomore sensation Ashley Sessa was instrumental, tallying two goals and an assist in the first half. Sessa opened the scoring late in the first quarter, with just under four minutes remaining, converting a backhanded shot from close range to give Northwestern an early 1-0 lead. Less than three minutes later, she struck again, this time off a well-placed pass from junior midfielder Piper Borz, doubling the lead and setting the tone for the Wildcats’ explosive performance.
Jones ??Wadas ?? Borz ?? Sessa ?? pic.twitter.com/ip8j4J7FRA
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 18, 2024
Borz, who has been a consistent playmaker throughout the season, got in on the scoring action herself in the second quarter. Her goal, the third of the afternoon, came from a powerful strike that further widened the gap between Northwestern and Stanford, effectively placing the Cardinal on the back foot for the remainder of the contest.
As the second half began, Northwestern showed no signs of slowing down. Their relentless attack kept the pressure on Stanford’s defense, and the Wildcats’ offense broke through again in the third quarter. Katie Jones found the back of the net just minutes into the period, extending the lead to 4-0 with an assist from Ilse Tromp, whose precision passing opened up the space for Jones to convert. Soon after, Maja Zivojnovic made her mark with a pivotal goal, assisted by Olivia Bent-Cole and Regan Cornelius. Zivojnovic, a junior who made her season debut just last week against Harvard after missing the early part of the season due to injury, showed her class by scoring her first goal of the year in this critical moment.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure, and before the third quarter concluded, Borz added her second goal of the game. With under a minute left in the period, Borz struck once more to make it 6-0, giving Northwestern an insurmountable advantage heading into the final 15 minutes.
Northwestern’s dominance was again on full display in the fourth quarter, as Zivojnovic netted her second goal of the game to cap the Wildcats’ scoring at 7-0. This time, she scored off a well-executed corner, with assists from senior leaders Lauren Wadas and Chloe Relford, further cementing Northwestern’s superiority in all aspects of the game.
The party continues ??
Maja gets on the board for the 2?nd time today! pic.twitter.com/WRV6mNWJhL
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 18, 2024
The Wildcats’ offensive onslaught was matched by a strong defensive effort. Northwestern outshot Stanford by a staggering margin, 21-7, with an impressive 19 shots on goal compared to Stanford’s three. Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz, a stalwart at the back, made three crucial saves to preserve her shutout, ensuring the Wildcats maintained their perfect defensive record in yet another commanding performance.
With this win, Northwestern not only celebrated the program’s rich history during its 50th anniversary weekend but also solidified its status as one of the premier teams in college field hockey this season. The team will look to keep their undefeated streak alive when they return to action on Sunday for Senior Day, hosting UC Davis at Lakeside Field at noon CT.
The match will be a special occasion, as Northwestern’s seniors take center stage for their contributions over the years, with the Wildcats looking to extend their perfect start to the season and further add to the program’s growing legacy.
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