Tag Archives: brynn zorilla

Big Ten Tournament Finals: Michigan upends Northwestern 2-1 for second title in three seasons

Nov. 6 —

Kate McLaughlin and Brynn Zorilla each scored and the Michigan defense stood up to the challenge as the No. 4 seed Michigan defeated No. 3 seed Northwestern to win their second Big Ten Championship in three seasons at Buckeye Varsity Field on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a back-and-forth first quarter, Michigan struck first when McLaughlin deflected a shot from Katie Anderson for a 1-0 Michigan lead. The Wolverines defense did not let Northwestern register a shot in the quarter as they outshot them 5-0.

Northwestern continued to dictate the pace of play both offensively and defensively as they continued the pressure in the circle in the second quarter. Zorilla helped break up a Northwestern scoring chance late when Bente Baekers had a wide-open cage. Annabel Skubisz made five saves through the first two quarters of play.

Zorilla doubled the lead in the third quarter when she knocked in a ball out of mid-air off a Lora Clarke shot for a 2-0 lead, her first goal of the season.  Michigan continued to stifle any offensive chances from Northwestern chances to close out the quarter.

Michigan continued the pressure early in the fourth quarter as Anderson ripped a shot on goal, forcing Skubisz to make another save.

Northwestern cut the lead 2-1 with five minutes remaining when Lauren Wadas chipped it over Anna Spieker on a penalty corner.

Northwestern continued some offensive pressure, but Michigan held strong to secure the 2-1 win.

Northwestern averaged 19.6 shots per game coming into this contest and the Michigan defense held them to 10 shots, with just two on frame. Michigan tallied 17 shots with 10 on frame. Skubisz finished the afternoon with eight saves while Spieker did not make a save.

This avenged a Michigan late season loss to Northwestern the Wildcats prevailed 1-0 in double overtime off a Wadas goal on Oct. 21.  

Kathryn Peterson was named Tournament MVP.

Michigan earns the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, while Northwestern looks to be a lock for an at-large bid. The NCAA Tournament Selection show is scheduled for 10 p.m. tonight on NCAA.com.