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ANN ARBOR, Michigan — The 16th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team fell to No. 12 Michigan, 2-1, in overtime Sunday. The Hawkeyes are now 10-6 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten.
“This was a heartbreaking loss,” said UI head coach Lisa Cellucci. “We played a great game and unfortunately couldn’t capitalize in overtime. I was very proud of the effort and intensity we played with.”
The Hawkeyes struck first, scoring the in the 26th minute. Redshirt senior Natalie Cafone scored her team-leading 16th goal of the season off of a shot from the center of the circle to give Iowa a 1-0 lead.
Cafone now has 64 career goals and is tied with former Hawkeye Kerry Lassard for seventh all-time.
Michigan (9-6, 4-3) tied the game early in the second half. Carly Bennett evened the score in the 36th minute when she tipped a shot into the cage.
Despite nine shots from the Hawkeyes and five from Michigan in the second half, the score remained tied at the end of regulation.
Michigan scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute. Meg Dowthwaite scored on a reserve shot that beat Alexandra Pecora.
The Hawkeyes out-shot the Wolverines 18-16. Cafone lead Iowa with nine shots. Freshman Katie Birch had four shots and a defensive save. Pecora made six saves in the loss.
The Hawkeyes wrap up regular season action next weekend. Iowa will host its final home game Friday as they take on Michigan State at 3 p.m. (CT) at Grant Field. The Hawkeyes end the regular season on the road Sunday as they face Ohio State at 2:30 p.m. (CT) in Columbus, Ohio.
