VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The University of Iowa of field hockey team defeated Indiana, 1-0, in its season opener on Friday afternoon in a neutral site contest at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawkeyes applied pressure from the start and never looked back. Eight of Iowa’s 17 shots were on goal, while its defense held off the Hoosiers without a single shot the entire 60 minutes.
Early in the fourth period, junior Anthe Nijziel set up senior Maddy Murphy, but the goal was overturned (deeming too high).
With the contest still scoreless after the reversal, the Hawkeyes broke through in final last three minutes of the fourth period. Sophomore Sophie Stribos notched the game-winning goal off a corner with the assist from her sister, senior Lokke Stribos, to lift Iowa to victory.
HEARING FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCI
“Our goal was to have a high level of possession and great ball movement using the short, simple pass. Our communication and organization on the defensive side of the ball was key. We found a way to get on the scoreboard. It feels great to get the win in our first game of the season.”
NOTABLES
- This win is the Hawkeyes’ fifth straight in the series against the Hoosiers.
- Iowa has won its season opener each of the last three years.
- Iowa’s offensive pressure resulted in nine penalty corners, while Indiana had zero.
- Senior Grace McGuire earned his first career shutout in goal.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will turn around and face Penn State on Sunday at 11 a.m. (CT) in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.