Northwestern dominates the NCAA Field Hockey Championship
Cold conditions, drama, and dominance as history is made
The University of Michigan's Phyllis Ocker Field in Ann Arbor, MI, provided the stage for an unforgettable—and slightly snowy—NCAA Division I Field Hockey Final Four. Packed with thrilling matches, underdog triumphs, and historic moments, the championship showcased the pinnacle of US collegiate field hockey. The action unfolded on AstroTurf’s Poligras Platinum surface, ensuring elite performance throughout.
University of Michigan's Phyllis Ocker Field
A Final Four for the Ages
The semi-final matchups set the stage for one of the most exciting Final Fours in years:
University of North Carolina (UNC) vs. Saint Joseph's University (SJU)
Northwestern University (NW) vs. University of Massachusetts (UMass)
Saint Joseph's University delivered a jaw-dropping upset, toppling the unbeaten UNC 2-1 to claim their first-ever spot in the national final. Forward Manu Ghigliotti scored both goals in the historic win, while SJU’s defense held UNC scoreless for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Northwestern locked in their fourth consecutive championship final berth with a defensive masterclass, beating UMass 1-0.
The Final Showdown
Northwestern capped off an exceptional season with a record-breaking 5-0 victory over Saint Joseph's in the championship game. Scoring all five goals in the first half—an NCAA record—they banished memories of runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023. Maddie Zimmer and Ilse Tromp each tallied two goals, and Olivia Bent-Cole scored one in an emphatic win.
And with all participating nation hosting matches, the action will directly connect teams and athletes with local supporters. In addition, the schedule is structured so that teams will play half their matches in December and February, with the remainder in June, enhancing accessibility and making it easier than ever for global fans to stay engaged throughout the competition.
NCAA Champions 2024
“It’s an honor to support these coaches and athletes’ journeys and showcase the excellence our fields bring to the game.”
AstroTurf Teams Shine
All the Final Four teams competed on AstroTurf fields, a testament to the high-performance qualities of these surfaces. Notably, Saint Joseph's installed their Poligras turf just this past summer, paving the way for their breakthrough season.
A Season of Milestones
Saint Joseph's University reached both the semi-finals and national final for the first time.
UMass returned to the Final Four after a 32-year absence, underscoring a remarkable season.
Northwestern finished with 14 shutouts, including their stellar performance in the championship game.
UNC remained undefeated throughout their regular season and ACC tournament.
Host Venue Phyllis Ocker Field Features Poligras
Phyllis Ocker Field, hosting its third NCAA Championship, once again delivered a world-class playing experience on AstroTurf’s Poligras Platinum surface. The venue has seen historic moments, including Syracuse’s 2015 title and Northwestern’s 2021 triumph.
University of Michigan's Phyllis Ocker Field
Celebrating Excellence
Melissa Vassalotti Twist, Director of Field Hockey for AstroTurf, shared:
"The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Final Four is a special event for AstroTurf, as it highlights the pinnacle of collegiate competition while celebrating the many programs that trust us for their playing surfaces. It’s an honor to support these coaches and athletes’ journeys and showcase the excellence our fields bring to the game."
AstroTurf remains proud to provide the surfaces that fuel these athletes’ achievements. Congratulations to Northwestern on their dominant championship victory and to all the teams for making this an unforgettable season. See you next year!