Oct. 9, 2007
Iowa City This Week
The fourth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team (11-2, 2-1) will travel to Columbus, OH, to play Ohio State (5-8, 1-2) Sunday at noon (CT). The game will be televised live by the Big Ten Network, marking the Hawkeyes’ debut on the network.
Ohio State (5-8, 1-2)
The 2006 Big Ten Champions envisioned a better record through 13 games into the 2007 season, but the Buckeyes have turned in some impressive performances as of late. Ohio State defeated Indiana (2-1) in its Big Ten opener, then topped Missouri State (5-0) and took a heart-breaking loss to league leading Michigan (3-2) in overtime.
Last week, the Buckeyes lost to Michigan State (4-2) in their third conference game of the season. This week, they will play No. 14 Louisville before the showdown against the Hawkeyes.
Ohio State is led by 2006 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Yesenia Luces. She leads the team with 10 goals along with four assists this season.
Last Week
The Hawkeyes earned two victories last week, the first against Northwestern (5-1) and the second against Providence (3-1).
The Northwestern game was an offensive show for the Hawkeyes. Juniors Katie Naughton, Roz Ellis and Caroline Blaum each scored one goal joining Lauren Pfeiffer who netted two. Iowa outshot Northwestern 31-10.
Pfeiffer continued her offensive display against Providence by scoring another goal and adding one assist. Joining Pfeiffer on the scoring line was senior Kadi Sickel and sophomore Jess Werley.
Big Ten Player Of The Week
Junior Lauren Pfeiffer was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week on Monday. She scored two goals against Northwestern and one against Providence to go along with an assist.
Big Ten Network
The Hawkeyes will make their Big Ten Network debut Sunday against Ohio State. The network will then follow the Hawkeyes back to Grant Field and televise their Oct. 9 game against No. 9 Penn State.
Pfeiffer Stays Hot
Junior Lauren Pfeiffer scored three goals last weekend, raising her season total to 12 (eight have came in the past five games). Last season, she netted 10 goals, five of which came during a three-game stretch in the Big Ten Tournament.
The last time an Iowa player recorded 12 or more goals in one season was Sarah Dawson in 2004 (12). Dawson is now a member of the U.S. National team.
Pfeiffer also a recorded her fourth assist over the weekend, giving her 28 points on the season. The last Hawkeye to reach this mark was Caitlin McCurdy in the 2005 season.
After 13 Games
The 2007 Hawkeyes boast a record of 11-2. Last season, Iowa held a record of 6-7 after 13 games, before winning the Big Ten Tournament and earnings its way into the NCAA Tournament.
Scoring Machine
The Hawkeyes have scored 42 goals this season, allowing only 16. They have outscored their opponents 22-5 in the second period. Last season, Iowa scored a total of 38 goals, while allowing 36.
Shoot It!
The Iowa offense have attempted over 100 more shots than its opponents 242-124 (13 games). Last season, the Hawkeyes attempted 253 shots (21 games).
Leading The Big Ten
When only conference games are included, three Hawkeyes top the list in five categories. Junior Lauren Pfeiffer leads the Big Ten in shots (18), points (10) and goals (5). Sophomore Tricia Dean leads in assists (3) and junior Roz Ellis leads in defensive saves (1).
As a team, Iowa leads in shots (59), goals (9), penalty corners (29) and defensive saves (1).
Hawkeyes Among Nations Best
As a team the Hawkeyes rank in the top 15 in nine NCAA statistical categories including first in penalty corners per game (10.08). Iowa has the fourth-best winning percentage (.846), fifth-largest scoring margin (1.95), sixth-most points per game (8.77), seventh-most shutouts per game (0.38), eighth-highest scoring average (3.15), eighth-most goals per game (3.23), 10th-most assists per game (2.31) and 13th-lowest goals against average (1.2).
Three Juniors In Top 15
Individually, Hawkeye juniors are in the top 15 in four categories nationally. Lauren Pfeiffer ranks eighth in points per game (2.15), sixth in goals per game (0.92). Caroline Blaum ranks 14th in assists per game (0.62) and Lissa Munley ranks 11th in goals against average (1.21).
Hawkeyes Move Up in Poll
The Hawkeyes moved up one spot in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association Poll on Tuesday. They are currently ranked fourth, behind North Carolina, Maryland and Wake Forest, Iowa shutout the Demon Deacons 3-0 in the season opener.
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