Nov. 7, 2007
This Week
The fifth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team (17-3) will travel to Storrs, CT, and play 11th-ranked Boston University Saturday at 1 p.m. (CT) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
If the Hawkeyes advance to the second round, they will face the winner of the No. 4 Connecticut/Massachusetts game, Sunday at 1 p.m. (CT).
This is Iowa’s second trip to the state of Connecticut this season. On the first trip, the Hawkeyes defeated Sacred Heart 6-0, and Fairfield 3-1.
Boston University (17-5)
The Terriers have tallied 17 wins, including four over top 20 teams (No. 17 Providence, No. 15 Virginia, No. 16 Albany and No. 15 Albany). Their five losses have all came from top 20 teams (No. 19 Michigan State, No. 13 Boston College, No. 15 Duke, No. 2 Maryland and No. 6 Connecticut).
Boston University is led by Sarah Shute and Pam Spuehler. Shute leads the team in goals (15) and Spuehler leads the team in assists (15) and is second in goals (11).
Last week, Boston University won the American East tournament for the third consecutive year. They beat New Hampshire 5-2, advancing to the championship game against No. 15 Albany. The Terriers dominated Albany, 4-1.
Last season, Iowa played Boston University at Providence, RI. The Hawkeyes prevailed, 4-2. Earning goals from four different players.
The Hawkeyes are 7-0 all-time against Boston University. This is the first time these two teams will play in an NCAA Tournament.
Last Week
The Hawkeyes won their second-consecutive Big Ten Tournament title. On their way to the title they managed to break the tournament scoring record with 15 goals. Junior Caroline Blaum received MVP honors by tallying two goals in the semifinal game and two assists in the championship game. Senior Kadi Sickel joined Blaum on the all-tournament team. She recorded one goal to go along with her outstanding defensive play.
In the opening round, Iowa defeated Indiana 8-2, tying a single-game tournament scoring record. The Hawkeyes had goals from six different players, including two from Katie Naughton and Caitlin McCurdy.
Iowa beat No. 7 Michigan State in overtime 3-2, avenging one of its three regular season losses. Blaum recorded the game-winning goal during the 72nd minute.
The Hawkeyes took the tournament crown by taking down top-seeded Michigan 4-1, tying the largest margin of victory in tournament history. This accounted for the second loss avenged for the Hawkeyes. Sophomore Jess Werley scored two goals in the win.
Iowa At NCAA’s
This will be the 19th trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Hawkeyes, sixth-most in NCAA Tournament history. Iowa was selected to the tournament every year from 1982-1996, then in 1999 and 2006. They hold a record of 24-19, the fourth-most wins in tournament history, along with one championship and three runner-ups.
After receiving the Big Ten’s automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, the Hawkeyes fell to No. 10 Virginia, 1-0, in the first round a year ago.
Regional Round-up
Connecticut – The Huskies are ranked fourth in that nation with a record of 20-2. Their two losses came to Villanova and Princeton. Connecticut has notched wins against eight top 20 teams. Last season, the Huskies lost in the national semifinals.
The last time Iowa played Connecticut was in 2002 during the Big Ten/Big East Challenge. The Hawkeyes shutout the Huskies 2-0. The Huskies own a 4-1 all-time advantage in the series.
Iowa and Connecticut have met once during the NCAA Tournament. In 1982, the Huskies defeated the Hawkeyes, 3-2, in double overtime.
Massachusetts – The Minutewomen have a record of 14-8. This is their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2001.
The last time Iowa and Massachusetts met was in 1990, The Hawkeyes defeated the Minutewomen, 1-0. Iowa is 7-1-1 all-time against Massachusetts.
Iowa and Massachusetts have met three times in the NCAA Tournament, with the Hawkeyes winning twice. The last coming in 1992, Iowa defeated Massachusetts, 3-1.
Sibling Rivalry
Sophomore Tricia Dean will be facing a familiar face Saturday. Her sister, Laura Dean, is a key member of the Boston University Terriers.
Laura is a main contributor on defense. She was a member of the 2006 American East all-conference second team.
Tournament MVP/National Player Of The Week
Last week, junior Caroline Blaum was selected as the Most Valuable Player at the Big Ten Tournament and the National Player of the Week. She recorded two goals, including the game-winner in the semifinals against No. 7 Michigan State to go along with two assists in the championship game against No. 5 Michigan.
Blaum currently leads the team in assists (11) and is fourth in goals (6).
This is the second consecutive year a Hawkeye player has been named tournament MVP. Last season, Lauren Pfeiffer took the honor after scoring five goals in three games.
Sickel, All-Tournament Team
Senior Kadi Sickel was selected to the Big Ten all-tournament team after recording a goal against Indiana and playing outstanding defense.
All-Big Ten
The Hawkeyes had the most all-Big Ten selections in the conference (5). Juniors Caroline Blaum, Lauren Pfeiffer, Roz Ellis and sophomore Meghan Beamesderfer were first team selections, while senior Kadi Sickel was selected to the second team.
The Hawkeyes’ four first team members account for the most first team honorees since five in 1996.
Goal!!!
The 2007 Hawkeyes have scored a total of 64 goals in their 20 games this season. This is the highest goal total since the 1996 squad scored 73 in 21 games.
Been There Done That
The Hawkeyes have been to Storrs, CT, for the NCAA Tournament facing one of the same teams.
In 1982, Iowa’s first NCAA tournament, the Hawkeyes defeated Massachusetts in double overtime, 1-0, in the first round and lost to Connecticut in double overtime, 3-2.
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