Northwestern University

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Northwestern clinched its second straight Big Ten regular-season title with its 2-1 overtime win over Michigan on Friday afternoon.

BACK TO BACK?? #DeserveIt pic.twitter.com/mVVB94V9zc

– Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 25, 2024

It is the first time since 1984-85 that the Wildcats have won the Big Ten in back-to-back seasons. It is also the program's eighth Big Ten regular-season title overall and third under head coach Tracey Fox.

Chloe Relford opened the scoring for the Cats, giving Northwestern a 1-0 lead in the third quarter. Michigan responded and tied the game with just over five minutes left in regulation, sending the game into overtime. In extra time Maddie Room broke through the Michigan defense and fired a shot that was blocked by the Wolverine goaltender. Lauren Wadas pounced on the rebound and batted it away to give the Cardiac Cats a 2-1 victory and the Big Ten regular season crown.

GOAL! LAUREN WADAS WINS THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE “CATS!” ?? pic.twitter.com/fgRd4kWfNR

– Northwestern Field Hockey (@NUFHCats) October 25, 2024

The Cats are 16-0, en route to the best start in program history, previously enjoyed by the 1985 team with a 14-0 start. The team has outscored its opponents 59-9, leading the nation in goal difference.

Northwestern has never won the overall Big Ten title in consecutive seasons and will look to do so after the conclusion of the regular season.

The Cats will conclude their season with Michigan State (October 27) away and Ohio State at home (November 1). The Wildcats then travel to College Park for the Big Ten Tournament November 7-10. The first round of the NCAA Tournament is scheduled for November 15th on campus.