Sept. 4, 2007
Iowa City This Week
The fourth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team hosts No. 16 Louisville Friday at 3 p.m. and Missouri State Sunday at 1 p.m.
“We are looking forward to our first home game of the 2007 season.” Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum said. “Our emphasis will be on taking advantage of scoring opportunities and controling the game in transition.”
Louisville will play Missouri State, Saturday, at Grant Field at 1 p.m.
Scouting Louisville (2-2)
The 16th-ranked Cardinals finished 12-8 last season, including a 2-1 loss to the Hawkeyes.
Last week, Louisville beat Ball State 2-0 and Albany, NY 4-0. Seniors Allison Maffitt and Missy Briery lead the Cardinals in goals with two.
“Louisville is a great team.” Griesbaum said. “We will need to play smart for 70 minutes.”
Scouting Missouri State (0-4)
Last season, the Bears finished with a record of 5-13.
“Missouri State has a tremendous goalkeeper that will test our offensive effectiveness.” Griesbaum said.
Movin’ On Up
The Hawkeyes are ranked No. 4 in the second NFHCA poll. They began the season at No. 10. The next rankings will be released Sept. 11.
Last Week
The Hawkeyes were 2-0 last week, defeating No. 4 Duke and William & Mary.
Iowa shutout the Blue Devils 2-0. Hawkeye goalkeeper Lissa Munley stopped seven shots, while Lauren Pfeiffer and Lindsey Duffy scored the Iowa goals.
Munley posted another shutout against William & Mary (1-0). Duffy scored the Hawkeye goal.
Griesbaum’s Thoughts
“We had a strong game against Duke.” Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum said. “It was a physical match that tested our strength as well as our skill. Duke edged us in shots and penalty corner’s but we were able to execute and complete our opportunities. It was a key win for us on the road.”
“Monday’s game against William & Mary could not have been any more contrasting in style of play. W&M defended with all 11 for most of the game. This forced us to be patient in a refined offense, since there was not much space to operate.”
Who Played Well Coach?
“Lindsey Duffy and Caitlin McCurdy played well on the forward line.” Griesbaum said. “Tricia Dean and Jess Werley were able to handle their defensive responsibilities as well as contribute to our offensive success.”
Griesbaum went on to add, “Roz Ellis, Kadi Sickel, and Meg Beamesderfer held our opponents scoreless this weekend in the deep defense. Lissa Munley had a phenomenal game vs. Duke.”
Defensive Player of the Week
Junior goalkeeper Lissa Munley was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts in a 2-0 victory over No. 4 Duke.
This is Munley’s second Big Ten weekly honor. Her first was on Sept. 6, 2006.
Mostly Munley
Junior goalkeeper Lissa Munley recorded two shutouts this week.
Her first came against No. 4 Duke and the second against William & Mary. She now has six career shutouts.
Munley currently has the best save percentage in the Big Ten (.792)
Pfeiffer Keeps Scoring
Lauren Pfeiffer has scored nine goals in the past nine games, dating back to Oct. 29, 2006 at Louisville.
During the streak, Pfeiffer has scored in six of the nine games and scored twice against Michigan, Penn State and Wake Forest.
Duffy Scores Game Winner
Junior Lindsey Duffy scored her second game winner in as many days. She scored the go-ahead goal against Duke Sept. 2 and the lone Iowa goal against William & Mary. Duffy has scored three goals on the season, equaling her previous career total.
Defense!!!
The Hawkeyes have held three of their four opponents scoreless this season.
It’s Been Awhile
The last time a defense shutout Wake Forest and Duke in the same season was in 1998 when North Carolina accomplished the feat.
NFHCA Rankings
Iowa has played three top-10 teams so far, including two wins and one loss.
The Hawkeyes have five top 20 teams left on their schedule, including four conference games.
Home Sweet Home
The Hawkeyes return to Grant Field this week for the first time this season. Grant Field has traditionally been one of the nations toughest places to play for the opponent. The Hawkeyes have an overall record of 111-27 at Grant Field.
Iowa is the last team in the Big Ten to play a home game in 2007.
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
Click HERE to learn more about the Big Ten Network.