EAST LANSING, Mich. -- No. 9 Northwestern saw its Big Ten tournament run end in the semifinal round Friday, falling 2-0 to third-ranked Michigan.
The top-seeded Wolverines took advantage of a Northwestern defensive miscue in the opening minute of play in taking the early lead. Michigan was able to sneak a pass through to Guadalupe Fernandez Lacort who deflected it into the cage just 37 seconds into the contest.
Northwestern's best chance of the opening half came just over six minutes into the contest. Saar de Breij possessed the ball near the center of the circle but Sam Swenson came out to make the save. The rebound went to Eva van Agt who got another shot on goal but Swenson made another save despite not having her stick.
The deficit remained just a single goal as the clock ticked under five minutes remaining in the half, but Michigan was able to add a key insurance goal as Meg Dowthwaite batted the ball out of the air to make it 2-0.
The Wildcats entered the contest leading the Big Ten and ranking third nationally with an average of 9.16 penalty corners per game, but was held without a corner opportunity in the first half.
Northwestern had the possession edge in the second half to the tune of holding advantages of 6-2 in shots and 2-0 in penalty corners, but the Wildcats never were able to break through against Michigan's stingy defense.
Swenson, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, made five saves to earn the victory in goal for the Wolverines. Michigan finished with a 10-7 edge in shots while both teams had two penalty corners.
Northwestern (14-6) will find out its NCAA tournament fate when the field is unveiled at NCAA.com at 9 p.m. Central time Sunday.
The top-seeded Wolverines took advantage of a Northwestern defensive miscue in the opening minute of play in taking the early lead. Michigan was able to sneak a pass through to Guadalupe Fernandez Lacort who deflected it into the cage just 37 seconds into the contest.
Northwestern's best chance of the opening half came just over six minutes into the contest. Saar de Breij possessed the ball near the center of the circle but Sam Swenson came out to make the save. The rebound went to Eva van Agt who got another shot on goal but Swenson made another save despite not having her stick.
The deficit remained just a single goal as the clock ticked under five minutes remaining in the half, but Michigan was able to add a key insurance goal as Meg Dowthwaite batted the ball out of the air to make it 2-0.
The Wildcats entered the contest leading the Big Ten and ranking third nationally with an average of 9.16 penalty corners per game, but was held without a corner opportunity in the first half.
Northwestern had the possession edge in the second half to the tune of holding advantages of 6-2 in shots and 2-0 in penalty corners, but the Wildcats never were able to break through against Michigan's stingy defense.
Swenson, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, made five saves to earn the victory in goal for the Wolverines. Michigan finished with a 10-7 edge in shots while both teams had two penalty corners.
Northwestern (14-6) will find out its NCAA tournament fate when the field is unveiled at NCAA.com at 9 p.m. Central time Sunday.