VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The University of Iowa field hockey team defeated Penn State, 1-0, for the second time this season on Sunday afternoon in a neutral site contest at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hawkeyes’ offense put pressure on the Nittany Lion’s goal the entire match with 13 shots and eight shots on goal.
Iowa (4-0, 3-0) started off strong with four shots in the first quarter and holding Penn State (1-2, 1-1) shotless.
Staying aggressive with six shots in the second quarter, the Hawkeyes found a way. Junior Anthe Nijziel notched Iowa’s lone goal off a corner from the top of the circle with an assist by junior Leah Zellner.
Iowa led the way at half, and the Hawkeyes would keep the advantage the rest of the game. Iowa’s defense held Penn State to four shots and one corner, solidifying the Hawkeyes’ fourth consecutive win.
HEARING FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCI
“Today was a total team effort. We made the necessary adjustments from when we played them last week. Penn State put us under a tremendous amount of pressure, and we handled it with great poise. The momentum we created and kept in three of the four quarters was the difference in the game. It’s awesome leaving Virginia Beach 4-0, and we can’t wait for our home opener on Grant Field next Friday.”
NOTABLES
- The last time Iowa started a season 4-0 was in 2013.
- Anthe Nijziel’s goal records her first of the season. Four Hawkeyes have scored one goal each this season, including Nijziel, senior Maddy Murphy, senior Ellie Holley, and junior Leah Zellner.
- Of Iowa’s last four games, the Hawkeyes have held two teams shotless
- Iowa has won the last four games in the series against Penn State.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes host Michigan on Friday March 12 and Sunday, March 12 at Grant Field in Iowa City, Iowa. Friday’s contest will start at 3 p.m. (CT) and Sunday’s will begin at noon (CT).