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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The No. 16 University of Iowa field hockey team scored four unanswered goals in the second half to defeat Ball State at Grant Field today. With the win, Iowa improves to 6-2 on the season.
After being held scoreless in the first half, senior Chandler Ackers opened the scoring for the Hawkeyes in the 46th minute off a corner. Ackers tipped freshman Katie Birch’s shot past the goalkeeper to even the score at, 1-1. Birch and junior Melissa Progar were credited with assists on the play.
The Hawkeyes continued their scoring in the 47th minute when senior Sophie Plasteras scored on a three-on-two to give the Hawkeyes a 2-1 lead. Plasteras was setup after a passing play between junior Mallory Lefkowitz and redshirt senior Natalie Cafone.
Iowa extended its lead (3-1) in the 53rd minute when Birch scored her seventh goal of the season off of a corner. Ackers and junior Taylor Omweg were credited with assists on the play.
Cafone rounded out the scoring in the 63rd minute. The redshirt senior beat a couple of defenders down the middle of the field and shot the ball right under the cross bar to give Iowa a 4-1 lead.
The Hawkeyes had 21 corners and a total of 29 shots, with Birch leading the way with 16. Senior goalkeeper Alexandra Pecora picked up her sixth win in goal with the victory.
Iowa returns to action next weekend, hosting a pair of conference matches. The Hawkeyes face Maryland on Friday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. (CT) and Rutgers on Sunday, Sept. 25 at noon at Grant Field. Admission is free.
