EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern opened its final regular season series of the season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the No. 2-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday at Lakeside Field.
Trailing 1-0, the 'Cats rallied with two goals from Bente Baekers and held strong on the defensive front with a stellar second half performance. Northwestern improves to 9-4 on the season and 5-3 in conference play.
The win marks Northwestern's first ranked victory since taking down #11 Michigan earlier in the season on March 22 as well as the Wildcats' highest ranked victory since 2014, when NU defeated then-No. 2 ranked Maryland twice in the same season.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Hawkeyes grabbed the lead in the opening minute of the second quarter via a breakaway goal. However, the 'Cats responded later in the quarter with a beautiful goal from Baekers on a sequence that was jumpstarted by an excellent open field pass from Lauren Wadas.
With the score even at 1-1 entering the second half, Baekers netted her second goal of the game, this time putting it directly between the Iowa keeper's legs, for her second goal of the game.
This marks the third multi-goal effort of the year for Baekers, who now leads the team with nine goals on the season.
Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz recorded four total saves on the game to secure the victory in net.
Northwestern will close out its regular season on Saturday with a rematch against the Hawkeyes at Lakeside Field. Start time is scheduled for Noon CT, with coverage live on Big Ten Network+.
Trailing 1-0, the 'Cats rallied with two goals from Bente Baekers and held strong on the defensive front with a stellar second half performance. Northwestern improves to 9-4 on the season and 5-3 in conference play.
The win marks Northwestern's first ranked victory since taking down #11 Michigan earlier in the season on March 22 as well as the Wildcats' highest ranked victory since 2014, when NU defeated then-No. 2 ranked Maryland twice in the same season.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Hawkeyes grabbed the lead in the opening minute of the second quarter via a breakaway goal. However, the 'Cats responded later in the quarter with a beautiful goal from Baekers on a sequence that was jumpstarted by an excellent open field pass from Lauren Wadas.
Bente Baekers with the equalizer!
— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) April 15, 2021
'Cats all even at 1-1 with No. 2 Iowa after a top shelf rocket! ????
Second Half ???? :https://t.co/Ip31UuPKDt#GoCats | @NUFHCats pic.twitter.com/LAbVWEHwn4
With the score even at 1-1 entering the second half, Baekers netted her second goal of the game, this time putting it directly between the Iowa keeper's legs, for her second goal of the game.
This marks the third multi-goal effort of the year for Baekers, who now leads the team with nine goals on the season.
?? TOP-2 TAKEDOWN! ??
— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) April 15, 2021
Two goals from Bente Baekers and an incredible defensive last stand propel @NUFHCats to a 2-1 win over #2 Iowa at Lakeside Field!#GoCats | #NUFH pic.twitter.com/q9TCIFfacY
Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz recorded four total saves on the game to secure the victory in net.
Northwestern will close out its regular season on Saturday with a rematch against the Hawkeyes at Lakeside Field. Start time is scheduled for Noon CT, with coverage live on Big Ten Network+.