Nov. 9, 2004
IOWA CITY – The No. 11 University of Iowa field hockey team was selected to the 2004 NCAA Tournament Tuesday night. The Hawkeyes received one of eight at-large bids to the 16-team field.
The co-Big Ten Champion Hawkeyes (13-7) will face off with American University in their first-round game this Saturday on the campus of the University of Maryland. The host Terrapins and the Delaware Blue Hens are also in the Hawkeyes’ region. Start times for the games have yet to be determined.
“We are thrilled to be heading back to the NCAA Tournament,” Iowa Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum said. “The whole season has been a complete team effort, and for the past six weeks we have been gradually improving our game. We are very happy to go to Maryland, as well, since it will be close to many family and friends of the team.
“I am also very proud and happy for out senior class. This is the first time they have reached the NCAA Tournament, and it will be a great way for them to finish their Iowa careers.”
The Hawkeyes are 24-17 all-time in NCAA Tournament play and have reached the Final Four 10 times. The last time Iowa played in the NCAA Tournament was 1999, when the Hawkeyes advanced to the Final Four in Boston, MA.