Jenny Allen, Staff Writer
Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer
Northwestern University traveled to Cary Street Field on Sept. 1 to take on VCU field hockey in their home opener. The Rams went on to lose 3-0.
Northwestern started the game with a leading pass towards VCU’s goal. Both teams’ defenses were strong in the beginning, with no attempts on goal from either team.
VCU redshirt second-year goalie Emma Clements and the back line stopped a shot on goal from Northwestern third-year midfielder Ilse Tromp, halting their offensive momentum early.
Redshirt third-year Aerin Krys passed to graduate forward Grace Schulze, allowing her to break through VCU’s defense and score the opening goal, putting them up 1-0.
Northwestern kept the pressure on VCU to close the first quarter, keeping the ball in its half for the majority of the game.
Northwestern started the second period with an overhead pass down the field, giving Sessa a shot on goal to keep the energy high for the Wildcats.
Northwestern kept its momentum and prevented VCU from attempting any shots on goal early into the second quarter.
The Wildcats continued to push through with their offense, raising tensions for the Rams as fouls piled up.
“I think the biggest enemy is not the other team, but ourselves,” Clements said in a post-game interview.
In spite of VCU’s minimal chances to attack, they managed to move the ball down the field when given the opportunity.
Northwestern brought the ball back to VCU’s half, attacking the goal within the last two minutes. Tromp attempted to end the first half with a goal, however, Clements made the stop, ending the half 1-0.
VCU started the second half with its first penalty corner, leading to its first shot on goal by second-year forward Ana Afonso Osorio.
“When you defend all the time, sometimes it’s hard like to stay focused and attack, but I feel like we have the patience also to attack with each other,” Osorio said.
Northwestern had a chance to double its lead with a penalty corner shot; however, the goal was overturned when the ball illegally hit a player.
The Wildcats quickly made up for the error though. Third-year back defender Maja Zivojnovic scored a goal, assisted by Sessa and Krys, finally doubling their lead 2-0.
Northwestern started the final quarter with a strong lead, keeping VCU’s defense on its toes while continuing its attack.
“You know, they’re the No. 1 team in the country for a reason,” VCU field hockey coach Stacey Bean said. “They’re probably one of the best pressing teams in the country.”
Although the Wildcats’ shots accumulated, Clements and her ability to block shots shined. A penalty corner from Northwestern with two minutes remaining in the third put Clements in a challenging position, but she made multiple striking saves.
“This feels like a win in my heart,” Clements said.
Northwestern third-year midfielder Ella Kokinis gave third-year forward Olivia Bent-Cole her first shot on goal, unable to be stopped by Clements — putting the Wildcats up 3-0 halfway through the fourth.
Northwestern continued to storm with shots on goal in the remaining minutes, but Clements held it down with 12 saves.
The Wildcats proved their No. 1 ranking, totaling 23 shots and 15 corner penalties, but VCU will be able to use the experience as preparation for the rest of the season.
“There’s always area to improve and there’s always areas that you have to recognize that ‘yes, you did well in those phases of the game but some of the other phases we just need to sharpen up,’” Bean said.