Louisville, KY – Northwestern's season came to a close on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in a 2-1 decision to No. 7 Boston College.
After falling behind with a late goal in the first half, the Wildcats battled back to even the score in the fourth quarter. Redshirt first-year Bente Baekers provided the equalizer in the 50th minute with a successful penalty stroke.
The goal marks the 28th of the season for Baekers and moved her into a tie with Lisa Griswold (1983) for the second-most in program history. Baekers' 28 goals scored are also the most by any Big Ten player in a single season since Chelsea Armstrong set the NU program record in 2012.
Junior goalkeeper Florien Marcussen helped keep the game scoreless in the first quarter by notching three saves. Marcussen finished the game with four saves, bringing her season total to 88, which ranks third in the conferences and sets a new career high for the Soest, Netherlands native.
The 'Cats had a chance to grab the lead late in the fourth quarter with two penalty corners, but ultimately couldn't put a shot past the Eagles. With just over one minute remaining in regulation, Boston College converted on its fifth penalty corner of the gam which proved to be the difference.
The Wildcats will return an exciting group of players next season, but also say goodbye to a senior class of seven (Saar de Breij, Kirsten Mansfield, Lily Gandhi, Lily Katzman, Katie Esselman, Erica Hootstein and Caroline Hughes) that made a lasting impact on the program – including sending the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament in two of the past three seasons.
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Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
After falling behind with a late goal in the first half, the Wildcats battled back to even the score in the fourth quarter. Redshirt first-year Bente Baekers provided the equalizer in the 50th minute with a successful penalty stroke.
The goal marks the 28th of the season for Baekers and moved her into a tie with Lisa Griswold (1983) for the second-most in program history. Baekers' 28 goals scored are also the most by any Big Ten player in a single season since Chelsea Armstrong set the NU program record in 2012.
Junior goalkeeper Florien Marcussen helped keep the game scoreless in the first quarter by notching three saves. Marcussen finished the game with four saves, bringing her season total to 88, which ranks third in the conferences and sets a new career high for the Soest, Netherlands native.
The 'Cats had a chance to grab the lead late in the fourth quarter with two penalty corners, but ultimately couldn't put a shot past the Eagles. With just over one minute remaining in regulation, Boston College converted on its fifth penalty corner of the gam which proved to be the difference.
The Wildcats will return an exciting group of players next season, but also say goodbye to a senior class of seven (Saar de Breij, Kirsten Mansfield, Lily Gandhi, Lily Katzman, Katie Esselman, Erica Hootstein and Caroline Hughes) that made a lasting impact on the program – including sending the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament in two of the past three seasons.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!