24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2018-19 | Hawk Talk Monthly — September | BOX SCORE (PDF) | Boxscore
DURHAM, N.H – The University of Iowa field hockey team improved to 5-1 on the season after a 2-0 victory over New Hampshire on Sunday. It was Iowa’s second straight shutout and fourth straight win.
HOW IT HAPPENED
New Hampshire registered two shots in the first 15 minutes compared to Iowa’s one. However, the Hawkeyes found the back of the net first on Maddy Murphy‘s fifth goal of the season in the 18th minute. Off a penalty corner, Murphy redirected a shot from Katie Birch, who was credited with the assist. Iowa’s stout defense didn’t allow a shot the rest of the game and led 1-0 at halftime.
The Hawkeyes rattled off eight shots and registered six corners in the second half. Freshman Anthe Nijziel iced the game with four minutes remaining when she scored her first collegiate goal. Off a penalty corner, Birch passed to Nijziel to the right side where she slapped it into the net.
QUOTING COACH CELLUCCI
“Our outletting was very effective today. Our back three faced a lot of pressure, stayed poised, and did a great job starting our attack. Our ability to tackle back and keep defensive pressure was outstanding. We will take a lot away from this weekend and continue to build to be better.”
HAWKEYE NOTABLES
- The No. 14 Hawkeyes outmatched the Wildcats, registering 12 shots and 10 penalty corners compared to New Hampshire’s two shots and two penalty corners.
- Six of Iowa’s 12 shots were on goal today.
- Iowa allowed only three shots and three penalty corners in two games this weekend.
- Iowa is now averaging 3.17 goals and 15.3 shots per game, while opponents are averaging 0.67 goals and 7.3 shots per game.
- After two more today, Katie Birch now has five assists in the past three games. She leads the team in shots (22) and is second on the team with 13 points.
- Junior goalkeeper Leslie Speight recorded one save today to earn her second straight shutout. Speight is 5-1 on the year with 25 saves and only four goals allowed in six games.
- Maddy Murphy’s first-half goal was her first of the weekend, but fifth of the year – the most of any Hawkeye.
- Anthe Nijziel scored her first Hawkeye goal, becoming the second freshman (Leah Zellner) to score this season.
UP NEXT
Iowa returns home next week for Alumni Weekend. On Friday, the Hawkeyes will play Penn at 2:30 p.m. (CT). On Sunday, the Hawkeyes will open their Big Ten slate against Indiana at 12 p.m. (CT). Sunday’s game will be televised on BTN.
