EVANSTON, Ill. –No. 2 Northwestern celebrated Senior Day in spectacular fashion, overwhelming UC Davis with an 11-1 victory at Lakeside Field on Sunday. The win extended the Wildcats' unbeaten streak, marking another dominant performance as they march toward the postseason.
UNDEFEATED ?? #EarnIt
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 20, 2024
The Wildcats clinched their 1?5?th win, marking the best start to a season in program history! pic.twitter.com/h1AxdAwkZR
Northwestern's relentless attack was led by two goals apiece from Ashley Sessa and Lane Herbert. Piper Borz also chipped in with two goals, while Greta Hinke, Ilse Tromp, Chloe Relford, Nadia Nemeth, and Amelia Albers each found the back of the net, highlighting the team's remarkable depth and firepower.
Steal ?? Goal
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 20, 2024
Piper scores her 4?th of the weekend ?? pic.twitter.com/l1Bj86XNxY
The Wildcats came out firing, quickly building a 5-0 lead in the first quarter. They maintained their stranglehold on the game, finishing with a commanding 30-2 shot advantage, including 21 shots on goal to UC Davis' 2. Northwestern's defensive efforts were equally impressive, allowing the Aggies minimal opportunities.
Before the match, Northwestern honored nine seniors—Maddie Zimmer, Regan Cornelius, Lane Herbert, Lauren Hunter, Katie Jones, Sophie Dix, Chloe Relford, Annabel Skubisz, and Lauren Wadas—for their contributions to the program. Many of these seniors made their presence felt on the field. Zimmer orchestrated the attack with two assists, while Jones and Hunter set up Hinke's goal. Cornelius was key to Northwestern's midfield dominance, assisting on Nemeth's goal, while both Relford and Herbert capped their Senior Day performances by scoring goals.
We ?? our Seniors pic.twitter.com/3CXZSyP7IO
— Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 20, 2024
Northwestern has been a model of consistency throughout the season, outscoring opponents 57-8 and holding teams to one goal or fewer in 12 of their 15 games.
Looking ahead, Northwestern faces a crucial road trip to Michigan, where they will take on No. 7 Michigan on Friday at 5 p.m. CT in Ann Arbor and then Michigan State on Sunday at noon in East Lansing. The Wildcats will conclude their regular season back at Lakeside Field on Friday, Nov. 1, against Ohio State at 3 p.m. CT.
With their postseason prospects looking bright, Northwestern's combination of veteran leadership and rising talent will be key as they aim for a deep run in the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments.