Northwestern’s undefeated run ended in a 2-1 overtime loss to Princeton on Sunday, marking their first defeat of the 2026 field hockey season. The Wildcats, who had started 13-0, saw their winning streak snapped by the same opponent that handed them their first loss last year, again by a one-goal margin.
The game unfolded as a tense battle dominated by defensive pressure and missed opportunities, especially on penalty corners. Northwestern, known for their effectiveness in that area, struggled to convert, going just 1-for-18 over the weekend against Iowa and Princeton combined. Princeton’s defense, led by Olivia Caponiti, increased the intensity, forcing Northwestern’s shooters into difficult angles and limiting their chances to score.
Northwestern’s sole goal came late in the third period from Kerry McCormick, who deflected a set piece into the net. McCormick’s goal was her second of the season and the only score the Wildcats managed on a penalty corner during the weekend. Despite that, the Wildcats were unable to hold the lead.
With just 73 seconds remaining in regulation, a Northwestern error gave Princeton’s Pru Lindsey a penalty stroke, which she converted to level the game. The Tigers then took control in overtime, capitalizing on their momentum to secure the win.
McCormick, who was named Player of the Week, played a crucial role in keeping Princeton scoreless until the final moments. Her defensive efforts and the goal she scored stood out in a weekend where Northwestern’s offense struggled to find consistent rhythm.
On Friday against Iowa, Northwestern faced similar challenges. The Hawkeyes limited the Wildcats to four penalty corners and kept them mostly outside the 25-yard line. The match was slow and gritty until a mistake by Iowa’s defense allowed Northwestern’s Ashley Sessa to score, giving the Wildcats a narrow victory.
Olivia Bent-Cole’s energy and determination were evident in the Iowa game. Her takeaway and assist led to Sessa’s second goal of the afternoon, a play that earned her the “Play of the Week” distinction. Bent-Cole’s relentless pursuit helped produce scoring chances when Northwestern’s offense was otherwise stifled.
The Wildcats now face two tough opponents in the coming days. They will travel to Bloomington to take on No. 11 Indiana on Thursday, October 16, at 2 p.m. CT, with the game streaming on Big Ten Plus. Indiana has won nine of its last ten matches, highlighted by strong defensive performances from goalkeeper Lily Freedman, who recently earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
Following that, Northwestern will face No. 1 Maryland, the last undefeated team in Division I Field Hockey and a team that has climbed to the top of the coaches poll for the first time since 2013. Maryland’s recent string of decisive wins has positioned them as a serious contender this season.
Northwestern’s recent losses and penalty corner struggles raise questions about how they will handle the remainder of their schedule and the NCAA Tournament, especially against elite competition. The upcoming matches against Indiana and Maryland will provide further insight into the Wildcats’ ability to regain form and contend for the top spot in the NFHCA polls.
According to Yahoo Sports.