Each of the five ranked Big Ten Field Hockey teams took its own path to the top 20, influenced by standout players and game-changing moments. As we head into week two of conference play, take a look at the key factors that have set the stage.
The buck stops with Boon
As if Juliana Boon’s 2025 Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year campaign wasn’t impressive enough, she’s back and even better for No. 1 Northwestern in 2026. The junior is second nationally in save percentage (.878) and is one of only five unbeaten netminders nationally. She has posted five shutouts already this season, surrendering just five total goals en route to the Wildcats’ 9-0 start, which includes four ranked wins. That, combined with the playmaking of Ashley Sessa (tied for third nationally in assists per game), has Northwestern solidly on the path of a title defense.
Firing on all cylinders
Maryland has ridden a balanced offensive approach to a No. 2 national ranking and its first 8-0 start since 2018. Francisca Eschoyez leads the squad with six goals, one of 11 different Terps that have scored already this season. Playmakers Maci Bradford and Babs van Hest (six assists each) have gotten everyone involved, while goalie Alyssa Klebasko holds the backline with a .826 save percentage (seventh nationally). With a pair of top-10 wins to its name, Maryland is sure to be a factor in the Big Ten race.
Offensive onslaught
Dutch duo Frederique van Cleef and Dionne van Aalsum spearhead an Iowa offense that has nearly scored at will so far this fall. The two are second and third nationally in goals, respectively, leading the No. 5 Hawkeyes to a sixth-ranked four goals per game. Amber Millard-Smith and Rachel Herbine fuel the fire with 11 combined assists, orchestrating a Hawkeyes offense that hopes to overpower its adversaries and bring some hardware back to Iowa City.
Been here before
Powered by a core trio of veterans, mighty and No. 13-ranked Michigan has proven its ability to close out tight-scoring contests. Eva Bernardy, Juliette Manzur, and Esmée de Willigen lead the Wolverines in both goals and points, while a sturdy defensive front has kept opponents to just .86 goals per game. Three of the Maize and Blue’s matches this season have been decided by one goal; their experience in close games and leadership will be instrumental to their success in Big Ten play.
The dark horse?
We may have a surprise in store with newly-ranked No. 18 Indiana. The Hoosiers handed the then-No.2-ranked Hawkeyes their first loss of the season behind Molly Stutte, who’s fourth nationally in points (20) with seven goals and six assists. Celia Arroyo Cabezudo has come up huge in clutch situations, while Sadie Canelli has made crucial saves and ranks 10th nationally in save percentage (.815). With that type of statement, you can’t count out the Crimson and Cream.
Coming up this weekend
We’ve got a ranked clash slated for Saturday when No. 13 Michigan meets No. 18 Indiana. Will the Hoosiers stay hot and solidify their spot on the national stage? Or will the Wolverines move to 2-0 in the Big Ten? Find out tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET on B1G+, and check out the full field hockey schedule here.
Photo credit: umterps.com.