Oct. 10, 2006
IOWA CITY, IA –
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This Week
Iowa will be visiting Michigan State (0-3,4-9) at 12 p.m. Saturday in East Lansing, MI.
Last Week
The University of Iowa field hockey team defeated Northwestern 3-1 on Sunday. The win improves Iowa’s record to 6-7 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten. The three Hawkeye goals came from Caitlin McCurdy, Lauren Pfeiffer and Heather Schnepf. McCurdy scored the first goal only four minutes into the game. Her goal was assisted by freshman Meghan Beamesderfer. The Hawkeyes played outstanding defense for most of the game although during the 18th minute the Wildcats were able to squeak a goal past goalkeeper Lissa Munley to tie the score at one. The two teams seemed to be headed to halftime with the score tied, but with less than a minute remaining the Hawkeyes were awarded a penalty corner. Schnepf, the stopper, was not able to control the ball to allow another player to take a shot. Schnepf then regained the ball and smashed the ball past the Northwestern defense to make the score 2-1. During the second half, the Hawkeyes defense played even stronger and did not allow a Northwestern shot during the entire half. Iowa was able to take nine shots during the period but only converted one of them. The Hawkeyes were awarded a penalty corner during the 56th minute. Pfeiffer blasted the ball past the Northwestern goalkeeper, assisted by Kadi Sickel and Schnepf making the final score 3-1. The Hawkeyes out-shot Northwestern 16 to 4 and out-cornered them 8 to 3.
Iowa Earns First Big Ten Win
The Hawkeyes got back on the winning track with a win against Northwestern halting a three game losing streak. The win also gave the Hawkeyes their first Big Ten win of the season. Although the score (3-1) may not have shown it, the Hawkeyes pretty much dominated the game. Iowa did not allow the Wildcats any second half shots.
Talented Twosome Say Goodbye
Heather Schnepf and Kara Zappone played their last game on Grant Field last Sunday. The twosome went out in style with a 3-1 victory over Northwestern. Schnepf scored one goal and had one assist during the game.
Michigan State
Last season Michigan State finished 6th in the Big Ten with a conference record of 2-4. The Spartans have had a tough season thus far. They have a record of 4-9 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten conference. They are led by Head Coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. He is in his first season as head coach. During the previous six years he was an assistant coach for Michigan State. Senior Ashley Pernicano leads the Spartans in goals with eight, doubling her previous career high.
Common Opponents
Iowa and Michigan State have played four common opponents this season; Wake Forest, Kent State, Northwestern and Michigan. Michigan State has a record of 0-4 against these teams while Iowa has a record of 2-2.
Iowa vs. MSU History
In a series that began in 1977 Iowa holds a solid advantage over the Spartans. The Hawkeyes have accumulated 40 wins, eight losses and one tie.
Another Assist for Kadi Sickel
Kadi Sickel has had an outstanding season already accumulating nine assists. If Sickel is able to tally two more assist this season she will have the highest single season total since Alycyn Freet who had 14 during the 1999 season. The record for the most assists during a single season was set in 1990 by Kerry Horgan with 29.
Final Home Game
The Hawkeyes do not have anymore home games this season. They ended with a home record of 3-3. All three losses came during overtime to teams that were, and still are ranked in the top twenty (Duke, Ohio State and Michigan).
On the Road Again
The Hawkeyes have a record of 2-2 while playing on the opposing team’s home field. The two games in which they lost were by a total of only two points (North Carolina 1-2 and Indiana 1-2). The Hawkeyes have not fared well while playing at a neutral site this season. They have a record of 1-2 but have been outscored 13-5.