Nov. 4, 2006
Ann Arbor, MI –
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The University of Iowa field hockey team avenged yet another early season loss. Early in the season the Buckeyes defeated Iowa 4-3 in overtime. Today the Hawkeyes defeated Big Ten Champion, No. 5 Ohio State 2-0 and advance to the Big Ten Championship game.
Sophomores Caitlin McCurdy and Lauren Pfeiffer came up huge scoring both Iowa goals. Iowa goalkeeper Lissa Munley also played outstanding, recording her second shut-out of the season and third of her career with three saves.
Freshman Kelly Hondros attempted the only Iowa shot of the first period but was to put it in the goal. Iowa was awarded their first and only penalty corner of the game during the second minute, but were unable to convert. Ohio State was awarded four penalty corners during the period, including one during the final minute of the half only to be denied by the stiff defense of Iowa. Both teams remained scoreless at intermission.
During the 43rd minute McCurdy took a pass from Hondros on the left side of the goal and tapped in the first point of the game. Only six minutes later, an Ohio State foul gave Pfeiffer a penalty stroke in which she smoked past the goalkeeper, making the score 2-0. Iowa’s defense stayed tough and did not allow any goals even though Ohio State was had five penalty corners in the last twelve minutes of the game.
“Our success has been a direct team effort all year.” Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum went on to say “We knew it would take every single player to play well in order to get the win. Everybody played well on all areas of the field.”
Fifth-seeded Iowa will return to action tomorrow against third-seeded Penn State in the Championship game in Ann Arbor, MI at 12 p.m. (CT). Last week the Hawkeyes were defeated by Penn State 1-0.