June 26, 2014
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior Natalie Cafone and former UI All-American Lauren Pfeiffer have been selected to the 2014-15 U.S. Women’s National Team.
Days of intense evaluation at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the 2014 Women’s National Championship led to the selection of a new squad.
“It was a tournament where you had to show what you were capable of game in and game out,” said UI head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “Lauren and Natalie utilized their attributes each game to help their team win and to catch the attention of Craig (Parnham) and the National Team coaching staff. I enjoyed watching them compete and am happy about their selection to the team. To represent your country is a big honor. The Hawkeye family has a lot to be proud of.”
Cafone, who becomes the 22nd Hawkeye to be selected to the team, finished the 2013 season as the NCAA statistical champion for points per game as a sophomore, leading the nation with a 2.48 points per game average. The Fairfield, New Jersey, native earned her first career All-America accolade after posting team highs in points (52) and goals (22). Cafone tied for third nationally with 1.05 goals per game and was named to the All-Big Ten first team, Big Ten All-Tournament team, and NFHCA West Region All-America first team. She became the first Hawkeye to lead the nation in points per game since Kristy Gleason in 1992 (3.95). Cafone was named to the 2013-14 USA U21 Junior National Squad and was a member of 2013 Midwest Senior High Performance team.
“I am extremely honored,” said Cafone. “I am looking forward to working hard and training with world-class athletes.”
Pfeiffer, a member of the U.S. National Team since 2009 who has earned 66 caps, was a two time All-American at Iowa. During her career, Pfeiffer earned all-region honors three times, first-team All-Big Ten honors twice and was named the Big Ten Tournament MVP twice. She was selected to play in the NFHCA All-Star game as a senior after leading the team in points (44) and goals (20). She ended her career with 53 goals to rank ninth in Hawkeye history. Pfeiffer, who started all 83 games in her career, previously served as Iowa’s volunteer assistant coach. She helped lead Iowa to three-straight Big Ten Tournament Championships and the 2008 NCAA Final Four as a student-athlete.
“It is an honor to be selected again and remain a part of this program,” said Pfeiffer. “This team is really starting to make a name for itself in world hockey, so it is an exciting time to be a member of this squad.
“Natalie is joining our team, and I look forward to showing her the ropes and wearing the red, white and blue jersey with her. It will be great to have a new Hawkeye on the field.”