Aug. 31, 2007
DeKALB, IL – In a physical match-up to start the season, the Hawkeyes earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Navy on Friday in the opening game of the Northern Illinois Tournament.
“In terms of our style of play, I felt we were much improved,” Head Coach Ron Rainey said. “Navy is a program that garners a lot of national consideration and I thought we played hard against a very good opponent.”
Iowa came out of the gates early with an aggressive offense, which led to six shots in the first period. Junior Kelsey Shaw netted the Hawkeyes’ lone goal when her shot from the right side of the goal box deflected in during the 10th minute. Senior Sarah Stephenson and junior Stephanie Hyink were credited with assists.
The Iowa defense was solid nearly the entire game, only allowing two shots in the first period of play. Senior goalkeeper Lindsey Boldt played the entire game and recorded seven saves.
After Navy’s Brigitte Fox scored the Midshipmen’s only goal in the 66th minute, the Hawkeyes continued their stout defensive performance all the way until the final buzzer.
Five different players had two shots a-piece for the Hawkeyes. Senior Kelsie Full nearly missed a chance to end the game in the first overtime, but her shot in the 92nd minute sailed just high of the crossbar.
Iowa continues play at the NIU Tournament by playing Northern Illinois on Sunday at 11 a.m.
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