No. 8 Iowa Downs No. 10 Wake Forest in Season Opener

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 8 University of Iowa field hockey team defeated No. 10 Wake Forest, 2-1, at the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Friday afternoon.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wake Forest scored its lone goal in the 28th minute, which remained the only goal until late in the fourth period. Freshman Sofie Stribos tied the score 1-1 with a goal in the 52nd minute, forcing overtime in the season opener. Sophomore Meghan Conroy was credited with the assist.
 
Sophie Sunderland ended the game in the 66th minute. The senior broke free on a fast break after Iowa blocked a Wake Forest corner to deliver the season-opening, overtime victory.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI
“We didn’t play our best hockey the first three quarters of the game, but we pulled it together when it counted,” Cellucci said. “We played a great fourth quarter and a very gritty overtime period. I am proud of the resilience we displayed today against a fantastic top-10 opponent. Now, it’s time to go back to work to prepare for No. 1 North Carolina on Sunday.”
 
NOTABLES
Senior Leslie Speight recorded two saves in the first matchup of the season. Wake Forest only recorded three shots on goal during the match, scoring their lone goal in the second period after a deflected shot off an Iowa defender.
 
Sixteen Hawkeyes saw action in today’s contest. Two freshmen made their Hawkeye debuts, including Esme Gibson and Sofie Stribos.
 
UP NEXT
Iowa concludes Big Ten/ACC Challenge play with a 1 p.m. (CT) match against No. 1 North Carolina on Sunday. Live stats are linked on the Iowa field hockey schedule at hawkeyesports.com.

 

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