Sept. 11, 2012
- 2012 Iowa Field Hockey Media Guide
- USA Field Hockey
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa field hockey senior Kathleen McGraw has been selected as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday. It is the second honor of McGraw’s career.
“Merty had a great weekend in California,” said UI head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “She displayed great leadership and presence in every game. Her skills and decision-making have allowed us to have three shutouts so far this season. This is a great accomplishment for Merty and the entire team.”
McGraw earned the accolade after posting a pair of shutouts in leading the Hawkeyes to a 2-1 record during the team’s West Coast swing. The goalkeeper finished the weekend with 10 saves, a 1.29 goals against average and a .769 save percentage.
The Atherton, Calif., native opened the weekend by making four stops in Iowa’s narrow 3-2 loss at No. 16 Stanford. She then followed up her performance by making three saves in shutout victories over Pacific and UC Davis.
McGraw has guided the Hawkeyes to a 4-2 record this season, and she is leading the Big Ten with three shutouts.
The honor is the second of McGraw’s Hawkeye career, as she received her first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolade on Oct. 11, 2011.
Iowa returns to action Sunday afternoon, hosting No. 21 Albany at noon at Grant Field.