Nov. 7, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, IN – The University of Iowa field hockey team defeated third-seeded Michigan State 3-2 in overtime in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament Friday. The second-seeded Hawkeyes are now 15-4 overall and advance to the championship game of the tournament for the third-straight year. Iowa will be looking to win its third-straight Big Ten Tournament championship.
“Today was a complete team effort,” said Head Coach Tracey Griesbaum. “There were numerous momentum shifts and our team’s reaction was key. We played very well defensively and our backs were outstanding. It was a tough battle and a great overall team effort.”
Michigan State took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. Floor Rijpma deflected in a goal to give the Spartans the advantage. Iowa answered moments later as Caitlin McCurdy scored for the Hawkeyes. The goal was assisted by Caroline Blaum. With the score tied at one, Michigan State scored in the 26th minute to regain the lead. The Spartans would hold the halftime advantage, 2-1.
Iowa answered again in the 51st minute. Tricia Dean found an open Katie Naughton, who scored to tie the game. Regulation time would end with the contest tied at two. The Spartans and Hawkeyes headed to their second overtime game of the season. Just four minutes into overtime, senior Lauren Pfeiffer scored the game-winner off a penalty corner to send the Hawkeyes into the title game. The goal was assisted by Blaum.
Iowa has won eight-straight games at the tournament. The Hawkeyes will face fifth-seeded Ohio State Sunday at 11 a.m. (CT) in the championship game. The Buckeyes defeated top-seeded Penn State 2-1 in overtime Friday. Ohio State defeated Iowa during the regular season, 2-0. The game can be seen live on the Big Ten Network.
GAME SUMMARYIOWA 1 1 1 3MSU 2 0 0 2
MSU Floor Rijpma (Jeamie Deacon) 11:53/1stUI Caitlin McCurdy (Caroline Blaum) 14:11/1stMSU Chantae Miller (unassisted) 26:45/1stUI Katie Naughton (Tricia Dean) 51:28/2ndUI Lauren Pfeiffer (Caroline Blaum) 74:09/OT
Shots - Iowa 6, Michigan State 14Penalty Corners - Iowa 5, Michigan State 10Saves - Lissa Munley (Iowa) 2, Elissa Unger (Michigan State) 1
Team Records - Iowa (15-4, 4-2); Michigan State (16-5, 4-2)
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