No. 13 Iowa Downs MSU In Conference Opener

Stats | Boxscore

Sept. 23, 2011

Box Score

• 2011 Media Guide
• USA Field Hockey
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
• Iowa and the Big Ten Network
• Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa field hockey team defeated Michigan State, 2-0, Friday at Grant Field in its conference opener. The 13th-ranked Hawkeyes move to 8-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play with the victory and extend their winning streak to seven games. Iowa has outscored its opponents 34-6 during its win streak.

“It was a really good team effort,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “To get off to a 1-0 start is great, and the manner in which we played for seventy minutes was really key for us. We had lulls, but we survived them and were able to capitalize and put two goals on the board.

“Penn State is going to come in here just as hungry as Michigan State. We got Michigan State’s best effort. There is no doubt in my mind. To be able to come out with the victory against that type of opponent is really positive for us.”

Both teams traded possessions back-and-forth throughout the first half, resulting in a scoreless game at the half.

Hawkeye senior Becca Spengler gave the Black and Gold a 1-0 advantage in the 46th minute. She chipped in her fourth goal of the season to give Iowa the lead.

Kim Scraper, the national leader in goals scored, closed the door on the Spartans (4-6) at the 64:43 mark. The sophomore dribbled into the circle and slammed her 15th goal of the season past the Michigan State goalkeeper.

Hawkeye goalkeeper Kathleen McGraw tallied four saves as she recorded her fourth shutout of the season.

Iowa (8-1, 1-0) continues conference action Sunday when it hosts No. 10 Penn State at Grant Field. The match is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Admission is free.