Scraper, Hawkeyes Set for Stretch Run

Oct. 6, 2011

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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa field hockey team is off to its best start since 2008. The 2008 season was a special one in Iowa City, as the Hawkeyes advanced to their conference-leading 11th NCAA Final Four. Iowa, 8-3 overall, hopes to finish this season as strong as it has started.

With nearly the same team as last year, major improvement can be found throughout the roster, especially with Kim Scraper.

“Our entire team has worked really hard since our season ended last November,” said the sophomore forward who has led the nation in scoring for much of the season. “In the summer I trained with the Canadian Junior National team and gained some really good experience playing different international teams.”

Scraper, one of eight current Hawkeyes that competed on national teams over the summer, and her teammates, have kept the pressure on opposing defenses so far this season.

“Our team has been working hard to improve our transitions from the defense, through the midfield and up to the forwards,” said Scraper, a native of West Vancouver, Canada. “The forwards are getting more scoring opportunities this year.”

The Hawkeyes have cashed in the opportunities for goals, outscoring their opponents 37-15 to date. Scraper and her teammates have taken their play to the next level.

“I have become a lot more disciplined since becoming a Hawkeye, and I think when you have a high standard, you really have to embrace the mentality and hold yourself accountable,” said Scraper.

Scraper ranks second nationally in goals per game (1.36) and seventh in the country in points per game (2.82). She has recorded 15 goals, after tallying five during her freshman campaign a year ago, and 31 points. The 15 goals mark the most for a Hawkeye in a season since former All-American Lauren Pfeiffer notched 20 goals and 44 points during the memorable 2008 campaign. Ellen Egan holds the Iowa records with 42 goals and 93 points in 1983.

Scraper has scored at least one goal in each Hawkeye victory, and she has notched four multi-goal games en route to earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors twice thus far. Scraper is the first Hawkeye to win the offensive award in back-to-back weeks since Caitlin McCurdy in 2005.

In Iowa’s 7-0 win over Brown on Sept. 10, Scraper tallied four goals, becoming the first Hawkeye with four scores in one game since Pattie Gillern scored five in a win over Missouri State on Sept. 28, 2003.

“Kim has good speed in the open field,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “She is very savvy in and around the goal and makes things happen with her sound instincts. Her fitness allows her to play at a high level for the entire game.”

In order for Scraper and the Hawkeyes to finish strong, they will have to continue to play at a high level.

“I want to help generate as much offense as possible,” said Scraper on her outlook for the remainder of the season. “Whether it be scoring or assisting goals, whatever gets us the win.

“We want to win Big Ten’s and get into the NCAA tournament.”

The Hawkeyes have six games remaining in the regular season, five of which will come away from Iowa City.

Iowa continues action this weekend when it travels to Ohio for two games. The Hawkeyes will face Ohio State in a conference battle Saturday at noon (CT) before traveling to face Ohio in a nonconference contest Sunday at 11 a.m. (CT).