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COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — The 15th-ranked and fourth-seeded University of Iowa field hockey team fell to 12th-ranked and fourth-seeded Northwestern in the opening round of the Big Ten Tournament Thursday, 3-1, in College Park, Maryland. The Hawkeyes fall to 12-7 on the season with the loss.
The Wildcats got on the board first, scoring in the 10th minute. Northwestern took a shot that deflected off the post back into the center of the circle. Senior Alexandra Pecora made a save on the second chance opportunity, but the Wildcats were able to take advantage of the third opportunity to take a 1-0 lead.
Northwestern added to its lead in the 12th minute. The Wildcats were awarded a penalty stroke after Pecora collided with a Northwestern player on a breakaway. The Wildcats converted on the penalty stroke to take a 2-0 lead.
Pecora and strong Hawkeye defense kept the score close in the first half. Freshman Katie Birch made a defensive save midway through the first half and Pecora registered three saves to keep the score 2-0.
The Hawkeyes cut into Northwestern’s lead in the 42nd minute when they scored off a corner. Senior Sophie Plasteras was able to gather a rebound off of a blocked shot and beat the Wildcat’s goalkeeper to make the score, 2-1.
The Wildcats regained a two goal advantaged in the 67th minute. Dominique Masters was able to locate her own rebound and find the back of the cage to give Northwestern a 3-1 lead and secure the victory.
Iowa managed 12 shots and seven corners. Birch led the way with five. Pecora made seven saves in the loss.
The Hawkeyes now await their NCAA Tournament fate. Iowa will find out it if has received an at-large bid on Sunday, Nov. 6, with the field hockey selection show set for 9 p.m. (CT) on NCAA.com.
