LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The No. 2 Iowa field hockey team posted its second top-five win of the season, downing No. 5 Louisville, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon at Trager Stadium. The Hawkeyes move to an 8-0 start on the season — the best start since 1999 — with three wins against top-11 ranked foes.
“Our senior leadership shined through,” said head coach Lisa Cellucci. “This was a defensive battle and required great discipline to defend the lethal offense that Louisville possesses.”
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The Hawkeyes got on the board in the 19th minute when senior Leah Zellner hit a laser from just inside the circle to give Iowa a 1-0 lead. Just before the half, the lead doubled when senior Ciara Smith found the back of the cage for her sixth strike. Senior Ellie Holley was credited with the assist.
Up 2-0 at the break, there was a two-hour and 27-minute weather delay before action resumed. Out of delay, Iowa’s defense pressured Louisville the remainder of the match to seal the game and its sixth consecutive shutout.
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The Hawkeyes return home to host No. 8 Penn State for two games beginning Friday at 6 p.m. (CT).
NOTABLES
- This is Iowa’s third victory over a nationally-ranked team this season. The Hawkeyes have wins over No. 1 North Carolina, No. 5 Louisville and No. 11 Wake Forest.
- This is Iowa’s first win over Louisville since 2008 in the NCAA Tournament.
- Senior Grace McGuire recorded two saves on the day en route to her 13th career shutout.
- Iowa has not allowed a goal in 395:20 minutes of game time since the second game of the season against North Carolina.
- This was the first game this season Iowa didn’t score at least three goals.
