Field Hockey Tournament: Quarterfinals Recap

Photo by Art Pittman

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The 2024 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament commenced Thursday on the University of Maryland campus with three quarterfinal matches. Rutgers, Maryland and Michigan advanced to the semifinals, which take place Friday.

The opening game saw No. 4 seed Rutgers edge No. 5 seed Ohio State, 2-1, marking the second time this season the Scarlett Knights have defeated the Buckeyes. Kara Heck scored twice for Rutgers (8-8) while Makenna Webster netted her team-leading 16th goal for seventh-ranked Ohio State (14-5).

A defensive battle ensued in the second game of the day, producing a scoreless tie at the end of regulation. No. 2 seed Maryland (13-5) advanced with a 1-0 shootout win over No. 7 seed Iowa (9-9), finishing with a 3-2 advantage in the shootout. Iowa goaltender Mia Magnotta made 17 saves, a total that matched the second-highest total in tournament history.

In the nightcap, Esmee de Willigen's overtime goal on a deflection lifted No. 3 seed Michigan past No. 6 seed Indiana, 2-1. Michigan (13-5) received an early goal from Kate McLaughlin that held up until the fourth quarter. Indiana (9-9) pulled its goalkeeper with six minutes left and Sydney Keld capitalized with an extra-attacker goal with 1:14 left to force overtime.