Northwestern field hockey posts two shutout wins over ranked opponents

The Northwestern field hockey team was in need of some momentum after a tough 1-0 loss at the hands of No. 8 Louisville last Sunday.

With two shutout victories at Lakeside Field this weekend, the No. 14 Wildcats got just what it needed. NU (7-4, 2-0 B1G) shutout No. 13 Iowa on Friday before blanking No. 25 California on Sunday afternoon.

Iowa and Cal managed only 11 combined total shots over 140 minutes of play, as NU goalie Annie Kalfas posted consecutive clean sheets.

On Friday, Northwestern broke through off a Maren Seidel redirection late in the second half.

Six minutes later, junior Lakin Barry put the game out of reach with her third goal of the season.

Northwestern and No. 3 Maryland are the remaining undefeated teams in Big Ten play. The Terps will host the Wildcats on Oct. 19.

The ‘Cats earned their fourth win over a ranked opponent on Sunday with a victory over the Golden Bears. The teams played to a scoreless tie in the first half, with only seven shots combined.

As the second half wore on, it was Seidel who broke through again. The freshman continued her monster weekend with two goals, at 52’ and 58’. Both scores were assisted by senior Puck Pentenga, who has eight helpers on the year.

Up next is a trip to Michigan, where NU will face No. 15 Michigan on Friday and Michigan State on Sunday.