No. 8 Iowa Downs Central Michigan, 7-1

Stats | Boxscore

Sept. 13, 2013

Box Score

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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The eighth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team utilized a five-goal second half to defeat Central Michigan, 7-1, on Friday at Grant Field. The Hawkeyes improve their record to 4-1.

The Chippewas (2-3) struck first, pushing across the game’s first goal 10 minutes into action, but it was all Iowa from then on.

The home team (2-1 at Grant Field) responded five minutes later. Iowa was awarded a penalty corner and converted. Senior Niki Schultheis pushed directly on the corner to junior Dani Hemeon, who slammed home the tying score.

At the 26:35 mark, Natalie Cafone dribbled in close and scored around the Central Michigan goalkeeper to give the Hawkeyes their first lead of the day.

“Our energy was low in the first half,” said Cafone. “It was a lot different in the second half.”

Following the intermission, freshman Stephanie Norlander scored her first goal of the contest eight minutes into the second period from the top of the circle, giving Iowa a 3-1 lead.

Norlander scored her second goal of the afternoon a couple minutes later from close range off a perfect pass from Schultheis.

“We had much better energy in the second half,” said UI head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “We were a little sluggish and were not matching up defensively. Our players realized it was not just going to happen, they had to get more aggressive.”

Iowa extended its lead to 6-1 on back-to-back goals just minutes apart by junior Sara Watro, before Cafone added her second goal of the day on a breakaway to make the final score, 7-1.

The Hawkeyes controlled the tempo throughout, registering 30 shots while limiting the Chippewas to four. Three Hawkeyes recorded two goals (Cafone, Norlander, Watro) and Schultheis tallied two assists.

“That is what is so fun about this team this year,” said Griesbaum. “In the past we have relied a lot on our penalty corners. Ideally, we want to continue to grow our penalty corners, but at the same time, you cannot just hone in on one player. We have great balance and lots of weapons.”

The Hawkeyes continue action Sunday at Grant Field, hosting Stanford. Iowa will face the 10th-ranked Cardinal at 1 p.m.

“We need to get our legs under us,” said Griesbaum. “Stanford has a lot of speed. The team will start working on the scout tomorrow morning and have a good practice. We will be ready.”