No. 15 Hawkeyes Fall to No. 10 Northwestern

November 6, 2014

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ANN ARBOR, Michigan — The 15th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team (11-7) dropped a 2-1 decision to 10th-ranked Northwestern (14-6) Thursday night in the opening round of the 2014 Big Ten Tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Iowa took the opening lead in the sixth minute but was unable to contain the Wildcat offense.

Senior Dani Hemeon put the Hawkeyes on top early with her ninth score on the season — coming off a corner opportunity. Stephanie Norlander registered the assist.

Iowa’s 1-0 advantage kept the Hawkeyes in the game but it didn’t last long. Isabel Flens was quick to respond for the Wildcats evening the score at 1-1 at the 7:11 mark on the following possession.

A defensive battle limited both offenses late in the first-period. With the clock winding down and 28 seconds to go in the half, Northwestern took possession of a 2-1 lead that came off the stick of the Wildcats’ Carolin Troncelliti for the go-ahead score. The goal would cap the scoring for both teams.

Although scoreless in the second half, the Hawkeye offense stayed on the attack in the second half — outshooting the Wildcats, 13-2. The Hawkeyes also drew 10 corner opportunities while limiting Northwestern to just two.

Sophomore Alexandra Pecora (10-7) collected six first-half saves, with an additional grab in the second period.

The Hawkeyes will need an at-large bid from the NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Selection Committee to extend postseason play. The NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Selection Show will be aired live on Nov. 9, at 9 p.m. (CT). Fans can watch the selection show live at NCAA.com.