In the upcoming days, we'll be counting down our Top 5 moments from Northwestern sports in the 2015 calendar. There were memorable moments all across the sporting world in Evanston. Here are the ones that just missed the top five:
Northwestern beats Iowa to end losing streak
It was almost as if the Wildcats would never win again. Heartbreak after heartbreak caused 10-straight losses. But Northwestern beat Iowa despite some incredible late-game heroics from Jared Uthoff. This actually spurred a four-game winning streak and began the Chris Collins zone defense era. Also, notice in the highlights how young Bryant McIntosh looks.
Northwestern volleyball shocks Penn State
Penn State has had one of best, if not the best, volleyball programs in the nation. The Nittany Lions have won six titles since 2007 and once had a 109-match winning streak that spanned several seasons. Northwestern upset the Nittany Lions in Evanston on Oct. 10. Taylor Tashima led the way with 52 assists to help the hosts win three sets to two. See the highlights below.
Women's Soccer qualifies for NCAA Tournament
The Wildcats hadn't qualified for the tournament since 1998, but that all changed when their name was called on Nov. 9. The ladies went on the road and beat Washington St. in a 1-0 thriller before falling to a very talented West Virginia team.
Northwestern takes back the Land of Lincoln Trophy
Jack Mitchell propels Northwestern past Penn State
The Wildcats lost Clayton Thorson to injury early in the game, meaning it was Zack Oliver time. With the Wildcats trailing late in the game, the defense got a crucial three-and-out, giving the senior backup, who had struggled for much of the game since replacing Thorson, one last chance. He completed a huge pass to Austin Carr to convert a third-and-long on a ball that seemed to be in the air forever. Jack Mitchell, who had missed two field goals earlier in the game and an extra point, sent in a 35-yarder. Christian Salem, of course, had an incredible hold.
@PMortell37 @ESPNCFB I'm just gonna leave this here pic.twitter.com/nAoOw2gGoY
— Christian Salem (@c_salem2) December 3, 2015
Anthony Walker named an All-American
His name's going to be on the stadium. The AP gave Northwestern's middle linebacker third-team All-American status after his incredible year. Bowl game stats added in, the sophomore had 122 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble forced, three fumbles recovered, one interception, two quarterback hits and four passes broken up. He was also a first-team All-Big Ten performer.