Penn State field hockey (5-7, 1-4 Big Ten) fell to No. 1 Northwestern (11-0, 3-0 Big Ten) 4-0 at Lakeside Field on Friday night.

It was a tough game for Penn State’s offense. Northwestern took the early lead and never let go, overtaking the Nittany Lions as the Wildcats kept their undefeated season going.

How It Happened

With nine minutes remaining in the first quarter, Northwestern took the lead with a long-range goal by Ashley Sessa, who scored her third of the year against Penn State goalie Aby Deverka. 

A few minutes later, Sessa netted another one, putting the Wildcats up 2-0.

Northwestern dominated the play in the first frame with five shots to Penn State’s three.  

The second quarter was scoreless and a lot closer for Penn State, who got some decent shots off, but Northwestern keeper Juliana Boon turned aside all.

Northwestern scored quickly in the third quarter behind a goal from Maddie Zimmer in the first five minutes.

Deverka made three key saves to start the fourth quarter, keeping Northwestern from extending its lead, but it wasn’t enough for the Nittany Lions. Wildcats graduate student Grace Schulze added a late goal in the fourth quarter to make it 4-0 Northwestern.

Takeaways

• Northwestern outshot Penn State 24-7 and completely dominated the Nittany Lions offensively.
• Northwestern goaltender Juliana Boon got her seventh shutout of the season for the Wildcats.
• Penn State suffered its fourth consecutive loss of the season against the Wildcats. Penn State hasn’t scored in two games, with its last score coming in a 2-1 loss to Michigan on October 3.

What’s Next?

Penn State will face Iowa at home at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 17. Folks can follow along on BTN+.