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Ann Arbor, Michigan — The eighth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team defeated Kent State in prominent fashion at a neutral site matchup in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The No. 8 Hawkeyes wasted no time taking the lead. Just over one minute into the first period, sophomore Anthe Nijziel struck first with a straight corner goal, assisted by junior Maddy Murphy.
Murphy seemed keen on getting a goal of her own, putting up the Hawkeyes 2-0 just one minute later with an unassisted, breakaway goal, and expanding the lead.
Kent State fought back, earning their only goal of the match off a pass from the right of the field. Sydney Washburn tipped the ball into the goal.
Murphy retaliated for Iowa, earning her second goal of the day after dancing around a defender inside the circle for a score and putting the Hawkeyes up 3-1 to end the first half scoring.
The Hawkeyes came guns blazing into the second half, scoring within the first few minutes to increase their lead. Murphy passed from the right side to sophomore Meghan Conroy, who tipped it in for the score.
Senior Katie Birch sealed the victory in the fourth period with a shot from the arc in the 50th minute. Sophomore Lokke Stribos was credited with the assist.
HEARING FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI
“We had a goal of starting strong and being able to show a lot of growth in the ways we attack. We did a fantastic job of that today, and I am proud of the effort from the entire group today.”
NOTABLES
This neutral site matchup featured only five total corners, the lowest of any game yet this season.
Junior Maddy Murphy scored or assisted in 4-of-5 plays.
Both teams featured two goalkeepers. Iowa featured both Leslie Speight and Grace McGuire while Kent State played Azure Fernsler and Mary Crumlish.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes host a B1G double-header next weekend. Iowa takes on No. 12 Ohio State on Friday, September 27th and No. 23 Michigan State on Sunday, September 29th. Admission is free.
