Oct. 15, 2013
- Read the latest issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- 2013 Big Ten/ACC Challenge
- 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 — University of Iowa junior Dani Hemeon and freshman Stephanie Norlander have earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week, respectively, the conference announced Tuesday. The weekly honor is the first of Hemeon’s career, while this is the second honor for Norlander. She earned Freshman of the Week honors on Sept. 24.
Hemeon exploded offensively over the weekend for the Hawkeyes, scoring four goals in two games, including a hat trick in the 5-1 win against Big Ten foe Indiana (Oct. 11). Hemeon’s hat trick was the first by a Hawkeye since sophomore Natalie Cafone accomplished the feat at Kent State on Sept. 22. Hemeon is second on the team in points with 22, including 10 goals.
“Dani’s role on the team is big, but she is the kind of player that completely embraces it,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “Dani’s always been very talented offensively, but now she is seeing the play unfold a little bit further ahead, which helps her break down defenses even better than last year. For her to score three goals in one game as a midfielder, that’s pretty amazing. Dani’s doing everything we are asking and more.”
Norlander was a big part of Iowa’s two victories over the weekend, scoring a goal on three shots. Norlander scored the opening goal against Pacific (Oct. 13), which helped set the tone early. Iowa went on to beat Pacific, 7-2. Norlander is fourth on the team in points with 12, including six goals.
“Stephanie just gets the job done,” said Griesbaum. “She understands what we are doing, works super hard, and has a great skill set, especially as a freshman.”
Iowa has won four Player of the Week awards this season. Cafone was named Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 24.
Iowa (8-5, 1-2) — ranked 18th in the latest Penn Monto/NFHCA rankings — continues action Friday at Ohio State. Game time is set for 2 p.m. (CT).