Clark Earns Weekly Big Ten Accolades

Oct. 1, 2012

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa freshman goalkeeper Hannah Clark was named Big Ten Co-Defensive and Co-Freshman of the Week following her effort in consecutive Big Ten shutouts. The announcement was made Monday by the league’s office. It’s Iowa’s (11-1-2, 2-1-2) third weekly award of the season, and the first of Clark’s career.

The Hawkeyes battled to scoreless draws on the road against No. 23 Michigan and Michigan State, as Clark played 130 minutes in goal, tallying 11 saves.

“It was a great weekend for Hannah, our goalkeepers and our defense in general to hold two Big Ten opponents scoreless through 110 minutes,” said Iowa head coach Ron Rainey. “We’re excited for Hannah, and we’re excited for the mentality and effort we’ve been getting from our goalkeepers and our overall defense.”

Clark played in the second half and in both overtime periods against No. 23 Michigan, as the Fort Collins, Colo., native came up with seven clutch saves. Clark made a diving save in the 90th minute to stop a free kick and keep the match tied. Clark made two saves in overtime.

She also played in the second half and in both overtime periods against Michigan State. She tallied four saves against the Spartans, and improved her active shutout streak to 131 minutes. Clark’s effort against Michigan State helped Iowa tie the program record for shutouts in a season (9). Clark ranks first in the Big Ten in save percentage (.919) and second in goals against average (0.41).

Led by Clark and fellow goalkeeper Meg Goodson, who was last week’s Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week, the Hawkeyes have allowed just seven goals through 14 matches. Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten in saves (74) and shutouts (9), and second in goals allowed (7) and goals against average (0.49).

The Hawkeyes return to the pitch on Sunday, concluding a three match Big Ten road trip at Minnesota. The match will begin at 1 p.m. (CT) at the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium in Minneapolis.