Cafone Finishes as NCAA Points Leader

Cafone Finishes as NCAA Points Leader

Jan. 24, 2014

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Sophomore Natalie Cafone of the University of Iowa field hockey team has finished the 2013-14 season as the NCAA statistical champion for points per game. The sophomore led the nation with a 2.48 points per game average.

“This is a phenomenal accomplishment,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “This is not an award that Natalie was chasing, but she was able to attain this level of performance because of her athleticism and competitiveness. She wants to do whatever it takes to get a positive result for the team.”

Cafone earned her first career All-America accolade after posting team highs in points (52) and goals (22). The Fairfield, N.J. native tied for third nationally with 1.05 goals per game and was named to the All-Big Ten first team, the Big Ten All-Tournament team, and the NFHCA West Region All-America first team.

Cafone is the first Hawkeye to lead the nation in points per game since Kristy Gleason in 1992 (3.95). Ellen Egan led the nation in the category in 1983 (3.88).

Iowa advanced to the Big Ten Tournament Championship game, finishing the season with a 13-8 overall record.