DURHAM, N.C. – In a thrilling contest that stretched into double overtime, the No. 2 Northwestern Wildcats defeated the No. 3 Princeton Tigers 2-1 to secure the 2025 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship. The game, held at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium at Duke University, saw junior back Ilse Tromp score the decisive goal early in the second overtime period, sealing Northwestern's second consecutive national title and third overall.
The Wildcats entered the title game with a 21-1 record, their only loss of the season coming against Princeton in an early-season match. Northwestern was looking to avenge that loss and claim their third title. Princeton, with an 18-3 record, was on a 14-game winning streak and making their fifth appearance in a title game.
The game was a hard-fought battle from the start. Princeton struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first quarter. Northwestern responded in the second quarter when they managed to score, tying the game 1-1. Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, keeping the score level through the end of regulation.
The first overtime period was intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but failing to convert. Redshirt first-year goalkeeper Juliana Boon made a crucial save in overtime, helping Northwestern. Just a minute into the second overtime, Tromp found the back of the net, sending the Northwestern sideline into a frenzy and securing the championship for the Wildcats.
Northwestern's path to the championship included a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over No. 1 North Carolina in the semifinal. The Wildcats demonstrated resilience, overcoming a two-goal deficit twice in that game. Graduate student forward Grace Schulze scored the game-winner against UNC, while Maja Zivojnovic, Olivia Bent-Cole, and Ilse Tromp also contributed goals.
This victory marks the Northwestern field hockey program's continued dominance under coach Tracey Fuchs. The Wildcats have now reached the national championship game for the fifth consecutive year, a feat not achieved since North Carolina's run from 1993-97. Northwestern has won nine regular-season conference titles and three conference tournament championships. The team is currently coached by Tracey Fuchs.
