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IOWA CITY, Iowa — The eighth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team defeated 10th-ranked Northwestern, 2-1, on Senior Day at Grant Field. Sophomore Leah Zellner scored the equalizer and Maddy Murphy netted the game-winning goal to move the Hawkeyes to 6-1 in conference play and 12-4 overall.
Five Hawkeye seniors – Katie Birch, Isabella Solaroli, Ryley Miller, Sophie Sunderland, and Leslie Speight — were honored before today’s game.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Senior Day began with a defensive battle in the first and second periods as Iowa rattled off four shots before the half to Northwestern’s two. However, the Wildcats scored the game’s first goal in the first period and led 1-0 at halftime.
The Hawkeyes picked it up on both ends in the second half, outshooting the Wildcats, 5-0, in the second half. Ten minutes into the third period, Iowa tied the game at one with a redirect goal from Zellner. It was her sixth goal of the season. Sophomore Lokke Stribos recorded her fourth assist of the season on the play with an entry pass from midfield.
In the 50th minute, Maddy Murphy scored the game-winning goal in transition from the right side. She flicked the ball into the top of the cage to give the Hawkeyes a 2-1 lead, which was enough to give Iowa its fifth win over a ranked opponent.
HEAR FROM COACH CELLUCCI
“It was a gritty win. Northwestern is a top-10, fantastic team and we were able to stick to the game plan today. It was a matter of if we were going to put a goal on the board. We were pressing a bit in the first half, but we cleaned up our final third, cleaned up our possession, and moved the ball well. That led to two fantastic goals”
On Senior Day:
“Whenever you get to play your last game on Grant Field, you do hope it’s a W. This group has been fantastic with such wonderful additions to the program. I’m really glad we could send them out with a win in such a big game.”
HEAR FROM KATIE BIRCH
On Senior Day:
“It’s meant so much to me and all the seniors. We’ve had an incredible four-year journey here. Getting to share today with all the girls and our families has been incredible. It’s amazing to get the win over Northwestern.”
NOTABLES
- The Hawkeyes outshot the Wildcats, 9-2.
- Maddy Murphy has scored a goal in four straight games.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes wrap up their regular season Sunday, Nov. 3 on the road against No. 7 Michigan. With a win next weekend, the Hawkeyes will share the Big Ten regular season title with Maryland, who has finished conference play at 7-1.
