The UMass field hockey team’s magical postseason run came to an end on Friday.
The Minutewomen suffered a 1-0 loss to No. 2 Northwestern in the national semifinal of the 2024 NCAA Final Four in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Wildcats punched in the game’s only goal at 49:50 in the fourth quarter, off the stick of the nation’s leading scorer, Ashley Sessa. Sessa stole the ball at midfield, then ran right up the middle before backhanding in her 24th goal of the season. Maddie Zimmer was credited with the assist on the game-winner.
The Minutewomen played a much tighter game against Northwestern on Friday, compared to their 6-1 loss on Sept. 1, but couldn’t find the back of the net to wrap up the 2024 season with a 17-6 record.
Myrte van Herwignen was sharp for UMass in goal as the junior keeper faced a barrage of shots during the second quarter and recorded all six of her total saves in the frame.
Elena Cloconeau registered the Minutewomen’s lone shot on goal, while Kristy Leonard was the only other player to muster a shot attempt for UMass.
Friday’s defeat was just the second time all year the Minutewomen were shut out. They lost to UConn, 1-0, on Oct. 20.
Still, the 2024 season will be remembered as the most successful season under UMass head coach Barb Weinberg’s tenure to date and the program’s best finish since 1992.
The national title game will feature Northwestern and fellow Atlantic 10 member Saint Joseph’s on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. St. Joe’s took down top-ranked North Carolina, 2-1, in Friday’s earlier semifinal match.
The Wildcats have now appeared in the national championship for four straight seasons, last winning in 2021 against Liberty. St. Joe’s will look to take home its first NCAA crown.
