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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The sixth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team downed the Nittany Lions, 4-1, at Penn State on Sunday. The Hawkeyes now hold a record of 10-3 (4-1).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Iowa’s second Big Ten matchup of the weekend started evenly contested, putting up a combined four shots. The Hawkeyes led with three shots, while Penn State had the only penalty corner in the first period.
The Hawkeyes struck first in the second period with a goal from sophomore Ciara Smith, assisted by junior Ellie Holley in the 28th minute. This goal was Smith’s first of the season and Holley’s fifth assist on the year. Iowa led heading into halftime, 1-0.
Penn State evened the score early in the third period. The Hawkeyes retaliated on a penalty stroke given in the 38th minute. Sophomore Lokke Stribos made her fifth goal of the season to give Iowa the lead, 2-1.
Iowa came out hot in the fourth period, taking early command with a goal from junior Maddy Murphy 45 seconds in. Holley picked up her second assist of the match. Sophomore Anthe Nijziel pushed the lead further and sealed the victory, scoring on a corner in the 54th minute. The goal was assisted by freshman Esme Gibson and junior Ellie Holley.
HEARING FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI
“Penn state is an outstanding team and has a dangerous counter attack. They put us under extreme pressure in the first half. We regrouped at halftime and played a much more sound second half. I’m proud of the grit we displayed.”
NOTABLES
- Junior Ellie Holley notched three assists on Iowa’s four goals. Maddy Murphy tallied one assist in the win. Both Murphy and Holley now tie with 7 goals on the season, one behind leader Katie Birch (8).
- Sophomore Ciara Smith scored her first goal of the season in the first period, becoming the 13th scoring Hawkeye this year.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes travel to Bloomington, Indiana, on Friday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. (CT) to play Indiana, and then head to Louisville, Kentucky, to face No. 5 Louisville, on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 12 p.m. (CT). Follow along at hawkeyesports.com.
