Headline - Team Huddle
2
American University AMERICAN (13-4)
3
Winner IOWA IOWA (17-2)
American University AMERICAN
(13-4)
2
Final
3
IOWA IOWA
(17-2)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
American University AMERICAN 0 0 2 0 2
IOWA IOWA 0 1 0 2 3

Game Recap: Field Hockey |

#15 Field Hockey Falls in Tight Battle to #3 Iowa in NCAA First Round

IOWA CITY, Ia. - The NCAA Tournament First Round upset was in sight for the #15 American University field hockey team as they battled with #3 Iowa on Friday, but a couple of late goals from the Hawkeyes ended the Eagles' thrilling season, 3-2.

NOTEWORTHY
  • Junior Julia Kraft and sophomore Imogen Hatton highlighted the stats sheet with a goal each while sophomore Emily Horace pitched in an assist.
  • Sophomore goalkeeper Bryn Underwood picked up five saves on the day.
  • Iowa topped AU on the scoresheet in shots, 12-3, and corners, 4-1.
  • The Hawkeyes were led by a two-goal effort from Ciara Smith. Lokke Stribos added one while Ellie Holley and Maddy Murphy were credited with two assists each. Goalkeeper Grace McGuire had one save.
  • Both teams battled the elements throughout the match with snow and sleet throughout and gusts up to 25 mph.
HOW IT HAPPENED
  • The Eagles' backline was put to the test early as Iowa pressed from the opening whistle. The Hawkeyes put up four shots in the opening quarter but a couple of saves from Underwood and a well-organized defensive effort from AU kept them off the board.
  • The second quarter was a similar story until the final four minutes when Iowa managed to find the back of the cage off their second corner of the day.
  • The Eagles came out swinging in the second half, though. Sophomore Emily Horace sent in a ball across goal, and found junior Julia Kraft off the shoulder of Iowa goalkeeper to even the score at 1-1 midway through the stanza.
  • With just over one minute left in the third Imogen Hatton ran in for her fourth goal of the season to give AU a 2-1 lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
  • Iowa quickly evened the score in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter with a deflected shot into the lower corner of the cage.
  • It was a back-and-forth battle over the next three minutes until Iowa regained the one-goal lead after a long cross in front of the cage.
  • American continued to press in the final 10 minutes, but couldn't quite get a clean look at goal.


For the latest on American University Field Hockey, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_FieldHockey) and Instagram (@aufieldhockey).
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