FINAL: PENN, 2 Northwestern 12

Final: PENN, 2 Northwestern, 12

The dream season for the Quakers comes to a close. Today's game was not the worst effort that Penn could have put out -- but it was far from their best and certainly lacking for a semi-final matchup. However, most of the credit has to go to Northwestern: they were a well-oiled machine. They played aggressively but made very few mistakes.

In the end, one game should not sully what was a great season for these women.

4:46, 2nd Half: PENN, 2 Northwestern, 12

Things don't improve for the Quakers as Chrissy Muller picks up a yellow card. But Northwestern fouls Penn a few times and the Quakers score again, this time Becca Edwards, unassisted.

11:17, 2nd Half: PENN, 1 Northwestern, 12

An awful turnover by Szelest lets Hilary Bowen walk in for her second goal of the game.

16:06, 2nd Half: PENN, 1 Northwestern, 11

A glimmer of hope for Penn as Chrissy Muller scores. For the first time since the opening face-off, the Penn crowd can be heard as they let out a roar. But they are quickly silenced by Hannah Nielsen .

20:52, 2nd Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 10

Northwestern misses its free position chance but Kristen Kjellman buries the next shot she has. Karen Brower pulls Waxman in favor of Emily Szelest -- it seems to be about saving face for Waxman rather than about turning things around at this point.

23:34, 2nd Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 9

A free position goal gives Aly Josephs her fifth of the game.

Halftime: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 8

More good chances for Penn go begging.

Right now, the Wilcats' defense is setting the tone for the game. The Quakers are having trouble generating quality shots and holding on to the ball. And every time they turn it over, Northwestern is able to march down the field and score.

00:52, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 8

A foul by Northwestern's Christy Finch gives Penn two great chances yet to score. The Quakers come away from that sequence with three shots but no goals. When the Wildcats go back down the field, Waxman stumps them with two good saves. She's looking really fired-up. Unfortunately, Aly Josephs is too fast and too good today, as she scores her fourth.

9:35, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 7

With Penn's defense going right, Aly Josephs goes left and earns a quick hat trick.

10:35, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 6

Some signs of life by the Quakers, as they start to look desperate, fighting for ground balls and forcing turnovers. But the Wildcats turn that agressiveness against them, as Kristen Kjellman just flies down the middle of the field and fires a bullet past Waxman.

12:23, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 5

Another goal, this time by Hilary Bowen. Not much else to say here.

12:46, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 4

Meredith Frank makes a great interception of a Quakers' pass. Right now it feels that for every minute the Quakers have the ball, Northwestern has it for five. Star Wildcats midfielder Kristen Kjellman makes it 4-0 on a free position goal.

14:42, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 3

The Quakers have trouble finding holes in the Wildcats' defense. No surprise there, given that they're known for their tight, agressive defense. Again, the Wildcats set up patiently and don't force the issue. Sarah Waxman makes one great save, but when Northwestern gets the ball back, Aly Josephs finds a seam in the defense and buries her second of the game. Timeout for the Quakers, trying to stop this from quickly getting out of hand.

17:37, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 2

A great effort by Kaitlyn Lombardo to streak down the right side put Penn in great attacking position. Some rough defense by Northwestern wins it back for them, though, and they camp for minutes in Penn's zone. A wraparound by Meredith Frank makes it a two-goal lead.

25:33, 1st Half: PENN, 0 Northwestern, 1

It's a back and forth affair early on. The Quakers are showing their speed but are being too careless with their opportunities. A Penn turnover gives Northwestern great position in the attacking zone, and Aly Josephs buries a close one for NU.

Good afternoon everybody from Franklin Field. The first matchup today of the semifinals pits the surprising No. 4 Quakers (16-1) against the two-time defending champs, the No. 1 Northwestern Wildcats (16-1).