Northwestern Prevails, 5-0, in NCAA Championship Game

Photo by Ryan Kuttler / Northwestern Athletics

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – For the second time in four years, Northwestern has captured a national title in field hockey, defeating Saint Joseph’s 5-0 Sunday in the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship Game held at Phyllis Ocker Field. It is the same pitch where NU won its 2021 championship.

The second-ranked Wildcats (23-1) scored all their goals in the first half, including three off penalty corners, to break the game open. Third-ranked Saint Joseph’s (20-4) was making its first NCAA Final appearance (in any team sport) in school history.

Maddie Zimmer and Ilse Tromp scored twice as part of five-point efforts while Lauren Hunter added three assists. Goaltender Annabel Skubisz recorded her 37th career shutout.

“This team was special and played every game like it was their last and didn’t take anyone lightly,” said NU Head Coach Tracey Fuchs.

Northwestern, which was making its fourth-straight finals appearance, finished with a 23-1 record, setting a program record for victories in a season.

Ashley Sessa, Lauren Wadas, Tromp and Zimmer were named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team with Zimmer being chosen the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Northwestern’s victory was the 12th field hockey title for a Big Ten institution.