Ohio State
Northwestern
No. 12 Ohio State Hosts Northwestern & Ohio This Weekend
9/20/2023 6:31:00 AM | General, Field Hockey
Buckeyes look to pick up third Big Ten win on Friday afternoon
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COLUMBUS, Ohio - Riding a three-game winning streak and a pair of Big Ten victories from last weekend, the Ohio State field hockey team looks to continue its hot start when it hosts No. 3-ranked Northwestern on Friday (3 p.m.) and non-conference foe Ohio this Sunday (1 p.m.). Both games will be streamed live on BTN+.
The Basics
No. 12 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Northwestern // Friday, Sept. 22 // 3 p.m. // Buckeye Varsity Field
Watch Live: BTN+ // Live Stats // Ohio State Schedule/Results // Northwestern Schedule/Results
No. 12 Ohio State vs. Ohio // Sunday, Sept. 24 // 1 p.m. // Buckeye Varsity Field
Watch Live: BTN+ // Live Stats // Ohio State Schedule/Results // Ohio Schedule/Results
Briefly on the Buckeyes
- Ohio State made the biggest waves in this week's National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll, jumping five spots from No. 17 to No. 12 after last weekend's wins over then-No. 8 Michigan and Michigan State.
- The Buckeyes' ranking is their highest in the last 12 seasons. They are also one of seven Big Ten teams in the poll, joining No. 1 Iowa, No. 3 Northwestern, No. 7 Rutgers, No. 8 Maryland, No. 14 Michigan and No. 16 Penn State.
- Armed with one of the best offenses in the country, Ohio State currently ranks fourth nationally with a 3.89 scoring average. Six times this season the Buckeyes have scored four or more goals in a game.
- That unit has been led so far by senior Makenna Webster, who is second in the Big Ten in points per game (2.78) and third in goals per game (1.11). She has a team-best 10 goals and five assists for 25 points.
- The Buckeyes' unit is balanced, however, with seven different players who have two or more goals. Freshman Brenna Bough, this week's Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week, has 14 points (six goals, two assists) while graduate student Julie Rodijk's four goals and two assists gives her 10 points.
- The backend of the Buckeyes' defense features fifth-year senior Delaney Lawler, senior Sarah Richards and sophomore Katie Fichtner. They play in front of senior goalkeeper Abby Danson, who will make her 48th career start on Friday.
- Danson's 2023 numbers include a 1.03 goals-against average and .743 save percentage. She, along with Kelly Davis, have has been a part of two combined shutouts.
Promotions This Weekend
- Friday is Ohio State's annual "Most Valuable Professor" game. Members of the Buckeyes will honor and recognize professors who have made a positive impact on them during their time at Ohio State.
- Admission to both games is free, as is parking. Fans can park in the lots surrounding the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Scouting Northwestern
- After starting the season with a 1-0 setback against Louisville, Northwestern has won seven consecutive games and is 7-1 overall.
- The Wildcats opened Big Ten play with a 5-0 victory over Indiana last Friday. Peyton Halsey scored twice as Northwestern built a 3-0 halftime lead.
- On the defensive end of the field, goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz has allowed just four goals in eight games and leads the Big Ten with a .846 save percentage.
Scouting Ohio
- The Bobcats are 2-3 this season and play at Kent State on Friday before the short trip north to Columbus on Sunday.
- OU's 10 goals this season have been scored by four different players. Katelyn Whittle leads the way with 11 points (four goals and three assists). Anouk Plaehn has chipped in with four assists.
