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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The seventh-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team remains undefeated in conference play after a 2-1 victory over No. 18 Rutgers at Grant Field on Friday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawkeyes struck first in the 13th minute on their first corner of the match. Sophomore Lokke Stribos tapped the ball in after two passes from junior Maddy Murphy and senior Katie Birch, opening the day’s scoring.
Rutgers retaliated in the second period, putting a goal from Tayla Parkes on the board in the 22nd minute with an assist from Clayre Smith. The two teams entered halftime tied, 1-1.
Iowa came out of halftime strong and consistent, leading to a goal from Leah Zellner. Maddy Murphy and Ryley Miller passed into Zellner on a fast break in the 38th minute, scoring what would be the deciding goal.
“We knew Rutgers was going to be a tough team,” Leah Zellner said. “They’re very aggressive and a great Big Ten team. We knew coming out here that we were going to have to play the full 60 minutes. It feels great [to be undefeated in Big Ten play], and we’re really excited to be working hard for each other.”
“We have a lot of momentum going forward,” Maddie Murphy said. “We’re taking every game as it is and not focusing too much on the past.”
HEARING FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI
On the win against No. 18 Rutgers…
“We’ve been getting better every game. Today we felt like we put a complete game together against Rutgers, who is an awesome opponent and a great defensive team. We felt like we were only going to get a couple of opportunities and we capitalized on them, which is what we needed to do to get the win.”
On team standouts…
“Leah [Zellner] has had great execution up front and been outstanding, but truly it has been a build up from our backfield. Anthe Nijziel gritted it out today, Lokke Stribos has been delivering some great balls, Sophie Sunderland and Katie Birch in the midfield have been doing a fantastic job.”
On team contribution…
“Everyone is contributing. Even today, you saw Esme Gibson at the right back who is generating some awesome things on offense as a freshman. Leah [Zellner] like we talked about up front, Makenna Maguire.”
NOTABLES
Six Hawkeyes have scored four or more goals on the season — Katie Birch, Maddy Murphy, Ellie Holley, Lokke Stribos, Leah Zellner, and Sophie Sunderland.
The last time the Hawkeyes defeated Rutgers was in 2015 on Grant Field. Iowa improves to 3-1 against Rutgers at home. Iowa is 7-3-1 in the series.
Today’s win against Rutgers marks Iowa’s third consecutive ranked win and fourth of the season.
The Hawkeyes shot twice per period, totaling eight shots.
Grace McGuire started her first game in goal this season totaling three saves — all in the fourth period.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes face UC Davis on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. (CT) at Grant Field. Admission is free.
