No. 12 Iowa Beats Ball State in Nonconference Finale

Stats | Boxscore

Oct. 21, 2012

Box Score | Photo Gallery

• 2012 Iowa Field Hockey Media Guide
• USA Field Hockey
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone/iPad app!
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
• Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The 12th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team improved to 5-0 at Grant Field this season, defeating Ball State, 6-0, Sunday in its final nonconference contest of the regular season.

The Hawkeyes (12-4) posted their fifth shutout of the season, allowing just four Ball State (3-12) shot attempts. Iowa registered 18 shots and received multi-goal games from senior Jessica Barnett and freshman Natalie Cafone.

“I’m pleased,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “There were a lot of mistakes, but we persevered and played through some times when we weren’t really clicking. We did a really good job of controlling the second half. Overall, it was great to get two victories this weekend.”

Iowa led 2-0 at the halftime break, as Barnett scored both of her goals in the opening half. Barnett struck first at the 2:06 mark, connecting on an unassisted goal from 10 feet out. Barnett added her second score in the 22nd minute, finding the back of the goal off a penalty corner. Senior Geena Lesiak and junior Niki Schultheis were credited with assists on the play. It was Barnett’s eighth and ninth goals of the season, placing her in the team lead.

Cafone starred in the second half, collecting two goals and an assist during the final 35 minutes of action. Both of Cafone’s goals were unassisted, as she scored at the 43:20 and 48:57 mark. The Fairfield, N.J., native has scored five goals this season. Cafone assisted on the Hawkeyes final goal of the game, finding sophomore Sara Watro at the 66:50 mark. It was the first goal of Watro’s Hawkeye career.

Sophomore Dani Hemeon registered her seventh goal of the season in the 64th minute, scoring unassisted.

Senior Kathleen McGraw picked up her fifth shutout of the season, matching her 2011 season total. McGraw made three stops en route to her 12th win of the season.

Iowa closes out conference play and its regular season next weekend at Grant Field. The Hawkeyes host No. 15 Michigan on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., and No. 8 Northwestern on Oct. 28 at noon. Iowa and Michigan will be televised live on the BTN, while Iowa and Northwestern will be streamed live at BTN.com. All times are Central.