EVANSTON, Ill. – The No. 2 ranked Wildcats, currently 8-0, hit the road this weekend for two key matchups against top-ranked opponents. The ‘Cats will face No. 5 Maryland on Friday, September 27 at 5 p.m. CT (6 p.m. ET) in College Park, followed by a visit to No.16 Princeton on Sunday, September 29 at 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET). Both games will be streamed live on B1G+.
?? College Park, Maryland pic.twitter.com/HBYITbeD4k
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 26, 2024
Friday’s Matchup: Maryland (5-2)
Northwestern opens the weekend with a rematch against Maryland, a team they defeated twice last season. The Wildcats dominated the regular season contest in Evanston on October 26, winning 5-1 behind goals from Ilse Tromp and Regan Cornelius. In the Big Ten Tournament final, Northwestern earned a dramatic 1-0 double overtime victory, with Olivia Bent-Cole scoring the game-winner in the 77th minute. Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz was key in that contest, recording five saves.
This year, Northwestern is chasing history, seeking to move to 9-0 for the first time since 1985. Maryland, currently 5-2, is coming off narrow losses to No. 3 Virginia and Duke.
Sunday’s Matchup: Princeton (4-2)
The Wildcats conclude the weekend with a trip to Princeton. In 2023, Northwestern defeated Princeton 4-0 in Evanston, with Maja Zivonovic scoring three goals. Skubisz was again a standout, making six saves in the shutout victory. The Tigers enter the weekend with a 4-2 record after losses to No. 1 North Carolina and Penn State.
?????????SCOOOOOOB@annabelskubisz is once again your @NFHCA Defensive Player of the Week!!! pic.twitter.com/JFosdyk4pB
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 25, 2024
Northwestern’s Key Players
Northwestern has been powered by a balanced offensive attack this season. Sophomore Ashley Sessa leads the Wildcats with 15 points (5 goals, 5 assists), while Maddie Zimmer has 10 points (4 goals, 2 assists). The Wildcats’ defense has been anchored by Skubisz, who was named both Big Ten and NFHCA Defensive Player of the Week. Skubisz leads the nation with a 0.971 save percentage and a 0.13 goals-against average, tallying 47 saves through eight games.
Still thinking about this ?? #SCTop10 https://t.co/NHtsUtgMC0 pic.twitter.com/wmnSU8FpL3
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) September 20, 2024
What’s at Stake
With an opportunity to go 9-0, Northwestern is on the brink of achieving its best start in nearly four decades. Both Maryland and Princeton present significant challenges as the Wildcats seek to maintain their perfect record and build momentum as they head deeper into Big Ten play.
How to Follow
- Maryland (Sept. 27) – 5 p.m. CT (6 p.m. ET) at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex, College Park, Md. – Watch live on B1G+
- Princeton (Sept. 29) – 11 a.m. CT (12 p.m. ET) at Bedford Field, Princeton, N.J. – Watch live on B1G+
