No. 5 Duke Falls to Top-Ranked Northwestern, 2-0

Friday, September 6

Evanston, Ill.

12 p.m.

Duke University

(2-1)

Northwestern

(3-0)

Duke University

Northwestern

Photo by: Zoe Davis

No. 5 Duke Falls to Top-Ranked Northwestern, 2-0

9/6/2024 2:20:00 PM | Field Hockey

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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – Top-ranked Northwestern scored a pair of first-quarter goals and held off a furious second-half charge to secure a 2-0 win over fifth-ranked Duke in the opening game of the 2024 ACC/B1G Cup at Lakeside Field Friday.

The Wildcats took advantage of penalty corners in the first quarter, scoring on two of the four, to gain an early 2-0 lead. The Blue Devils outshot Northwestern, 9-4 in the final 45 minutes.

How it Happened

Northwestern started on the front foot, earning a pair of penalty corners in the first few minutes. Maddie Zimmer took advantage on the second opportunity, redirecting the hit from Isle Tromp for the 1-0 lead four minutes into the game.
The Blue Devils started to get into a rhythm midway through the quarter. Josephine Palde collected a pass from Logan Clouser and beat a defender, but had her shot denied by Northwestern goalie Annabel Skubisz.
The Wildcats came right back and earned consecutive corners and once again found success on the latter for a 2-0 lead. Lauren Wadas was credited with the score, sneaking it past Duke goalie Frederique Wollaert.
Duke continued to press and earned its first penalty corner of the game. The insert eventually made its way to Alaina McVeigh whose shot rang off the right post. The Blue Devils were unable to get a stick on the rebound, heading into the first break down 2-0.
The second quarter was an even 15 minutes with Northwestern firing off just one shot. The Blue Devils continued to find their footing as well, gaining more of the possession and headed into the locker room down 2-0.
Duke came out strong in the third quarter, putting the Wildcats on their heels. The Blue Devils fired eight shots, including five on goal, and earned three penalty corners. Macy Szukics nearly found the back of the cage on a rebound from a Logan Clouser shot, but the Blue Devils were whistled for a foul inside the circle just before Szukics could get the shot off. Skubisz was outstanding in goal, making five saves in the frame.
The Blue Devils continued to stay on the offensive in the fourth quarter, controlling possession but unable to find that final pass inside the circle.
Duke outshot Northwestern, 12-8, for the game, allowing the Wildcats just four shots in the final three quarters combined. The Blue Devil defense also held Northwestern to only three penalty corners in the final 45 minutes after giving up four in the opening 15 minutes.
Wollaert played the full 60 minutes in goal and did not register a save. Skubisz was excellent for the Wildcats, finishing with eight saves in the shutout victory.

Up Next

Duke will take tomorrow to recover before returning to Lakeside Field to battle No. 4 Maryland Sunday, Sept. 9 at noon. The game will be streamed on B1G+ ($).

To stay up to date with Blue Devils field hockey, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeFH".

Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

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