COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maddy Murphy’s fourth-quarter game-winning goal lifted the top-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team to a 2-1 road victory at No. 7 Maryland on Sunday afternoon at the Terps’ Field Hockey and LaCrosse Complex. It is the Hawkeyes’ first road win in College Park.
The victory moves Iowa to 12-0 overall and 4-0 in Big Ten play. It is the program’s best start since 1992. The Hawkeyes have won five consecutive games against top-seven ranked opponents and seven games against nationally-ranked foes this season.
Iowa’s top-notch defense pressured Maryland the entire game, holding the Terps to four shots on goal. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes’ offense applied the pressure with seven shots on goal (and 13 overall shots), forcing the Terrapins to make five saves.
“Maryland is lethal in transition, and they tested us in many moments throughout the game,” head coach Lisa Cellucci said. “We knew we would have to play outstanding team defense for 60 minutes today to stay in this game.”
After a scoreless first half, with the clock winding down in the third quarter, senior Leah Zellner broke the silence notching Iowa’s first goal on an assist by Murphy to take the lead, 1-0.
The Terps evened the match in the 47th minute when Riley Donnelly scored to make it one all. Iowa had a quick answer, scoring two minutes later off a deflection from Murphy to seal the victory.
“Nikki Freeman had an outstanding entry ball into the circle and Maddy was clinical again with her finish,” said Cellucci.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI
“I am so proud of the 27 women on this team and their continued focus and preparation day-in and day-out. We are going to enjoy this one.”
NOTABLES
- This win is the first game this season that Iowa didn’t score in the first half.
- Senior goalkeeper Grace McGuire recorded three saves in the victory, giving her 33 saves for the season.
- Today’s game marked the 11th game the team has scored two or more goals.
- Murphy’s goal was her sixth of the season, while it was Zellner’s fifth.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes continue on the road next weekend, traveling to East Lansing to face Michigan State on Friday at 3 p.m. (CT).
