No. 11 Hawkeyes Take Down No. 2 North Carolina

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The 11th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team knocked off second-ranked North Carolina, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon at Kentner Stadium. The Hawkeyes improved to 2-0 at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

North Carolina outshot the Hawkeyes, 25-10, and held a 7-2 advantage in penalty corners, but goalkeeper Abby Johnson's nine saves and a stout second-half defensive performance helped Iowa secure the upset.

“Unbelievable second half from the Hawks,” said head coach Lisa Cellucci. “Once we buckled down and played collective team defense, we found great momentum and each line really stepped up to help us get that result. To come out of this weekend 2-0 is fantastic, and this team has an incredible ceiling. We are looking forward to getting back to Iowa City and continuing to improve.”

North Carolina struck first at the 10:44 mark when Sofia Ferri found the back of the net for her first goal of the season, giving the Tar Heels an early lead.

Iowa responded early in the second quarter at the 15:38 mark when Dionne van Aalsum scored on an assist from Amber Millard-Smith. The goal was van Aalsum's second of the season and moved her within one goal of tying for sixth place on Iowa's all-time career goals list.

North Carolina retook the lead just more than a minute later at the 16:50 mark when Molly Catchpole scored on an assist from Charly Bruder for her first goal of the season.

Iowa answered early in the third quarter at the 32:23 mark when Fréderique van Cleef scored her second goal of the season on an assist from Emily Edwards to tie the game at 2-2.

The Hawkeyes took their first lead of the match at the 35:26 mark when Rachel Herbine scored on an assist from Lexie Haig for her first goal of the season. The score proved to be the game-winner.

OF NOTE
- Dionne van Aalsum scored her 67th career goal and is now one goal away from moving into sixth place on Iowa's all-time goals list.
- Abby Johnson posted a season-high nine saves, three shy of her career high of 12.
- The Hawkeyes defeated North Carolina for the first time since 2023.
- Iowa defeated a top-two opponent for the first time since 2023, when it topped No. 1 North Carolina, 3-2, in overtime.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to action Friday for their home opener against Lehigh at 3 p.m. (CT) in Iowa City. The game will be streamed on B1G+.