MT. PLEASANT, Mich. — Three second half goals broke a one all tie to propel the 13th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team to a 4-1 victory at Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon at the CMU Field Hockey Complex. It was the Hawkeyes’ fifth straight win.
“We started out strong in the opening minute of the game with a great goal in transition from Corinne (Allen),” said UI head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “CMU responded to even the game. We made a few key changes at half time and the entire team responded well.
“Every line stayed poised throughout the entire game and over 70 minutes we were able to generate enough opportunities to take the lead and build on it. We had a great goal off a corner and solid ones from the field. Overall, it was a great weekend.”
Iowa got off to a quick start, scoring in transition just 46 seconds into the contest. Sophomore Corinne Allen broke free on a breakaway and pushed her shot past CMU goalkeeper Sadie Reynolds to give the Hawkeyes a 1-0 lead.
The Chippewas evened the score at one with a goal at the 15:17 mark when Erica Garwood scored off a deflection from six yards out. Bailey McKeon was credited with the assist.
After going into the half tied, Iowa scored in the 40th, 49th and 65th minute to run away with the victory. The Hawkeyes controlled the action over the second 35 minutes, out shooting CMU, 15-2, and holding a 6-0 advantage in penalty corners.
Sophomore Dani Hemeon netted the game-winning goal off a penalty corner to give Iowa the 2-1 lead. It was Hemeon’s fifth goal, tying a team-best. Senior Sarah Drake put the Hawkeyes up 3-1 with a strike in the 49th minute off an assist by junior Marike Stribos. The strike was Drake’s second goal this season.
Junior Kelsey Mitchell netted the fourth Iowa goal — her fourth of the season — at the 64:17 mark. Junior Aubrey Coleman was credited with the assist.
Iowa out shot Central Michigan, 21-5, for the game, and had a 10-3 advantage in penalty corners.
Senior goalkeeper Kathleen McGraw made one save en route to her seventh victory of the season.
Iowa (7-2, 1-0) returns to action next Sunday, hosting Ohio State at noon at Grant Field.
