Nov. 21, 2008
LOUISVILLE, KY – The University of Iowa field hockey team lost to top-seeded Maryland in double overtime Friday in the NCAA National Semifinals, 2-1. With the loss, Iowa closes out the season with a record of 18-5.
The fourth-seeded Hawkeyes controlled much of the first half. Both teams enjoyed scoring opportunities in the opening minutes, but each defense held strong.
Iowa allowed a tough-luck goal in the 29th minute. Nicole Muracco took a shot from 15 yards out and the ball was deflected off a Hawkeye defender’s stick over the head of senior goalkeeper Lissa Munley. Maryland held the advantage at end of the first period, 1-0.
Both the Terrapins (21-2) and the Hawkeyes (18-5) had scoring chances in the opening minutes of the second half. Iowa was awarded a penalty corner in the third minute of the period. The Black and Gold came close to converting, but came up just short.
In the 55th minute, Iowa was awarded a penalty corner. Senior Caroline Blaum found fellow senior Lauren Pfeiffer, who slammed it home to tie the semifinal matchup at one. The Hawkeyes controlled the tempo for the remainder of the second half. During the final minutes of regulation, neither squad was able to get off a shot and the game was headed to overtime.
Both teams traded possessions in the opening minutes of overtime in the seven-on-seven format. Munley made a great save in the eighth minute of overtime to keep the game tied. The teams would keep the pressure on in the final minutes and the game was headed to double overtime.
The Terrapins were awarded a penalty corner in the 89th minute of play. Susie Rowe found Katie O’Donnell, who scored to send Maryland to the title game.
The Hawkeyes had quite a run in 2008, capturing their third-straight Big Ten Tournament title. In addition, Iowa made its first appearance, 11th overall, in the NCAA Finals since 1999.
GAME SUMMARYIOWA 0 1 0 0 1UM 1 0 0 1 2 UM Nicole Muracco (unassisted) 29:49/1stUI Lauren Pfeiffer (Caroline Blaum) 56:21/2ndUM Katie O'Donnell (Susie Rowe) 89:05/2OT Shots - Iowa 11, Maryland 10Penalty Corners - Iowa 7, Maryland 4Saves - Lissa Munley (Iowa) 4, Alicia Grater 6 (Maryland)="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>