IOWA CITY, Iowa — Four members of the University of Iowa field hockey team — seniors Jessica Barnett, Sarah Drake and Kathleen McGraw and junior Marike Stribos — were named Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) First Team West Region All-Americans, the organization announced Thursday.
It is the second consecutive year the Hawkeyes have had four honorees. The four first team selections are the most since the 2008 season when Iowa had five.
“Overall, it is a super accomplishment,” said UI head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “For our team to have four first team selections is the standard. It’s a team sport, but at this time of the year, we’re very proud of what the individuals have been able to accomplish.”
Barnett earned her third career all-region honor after scoring 10 goals and posting four assists as a senior. The North Vancouver, Canada, native was a unanimous first team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Tournament team honoree in 2012. Last season, Barnett was a third team NFHCA All-American.
“Jess is an amazing athlete,” said Griesbaum. “I think she is one of the best defenders in the country who can run the field. She is more of an attacking defender. Her ability to dominate physically this year has been very powerful.”
Drake, a native of Ann Arbor, Mich., earned her first all-region nod as a senior, after starting all 21 games for the Hawkeyes, scoring four goals for eight points. Drake is a three-time All-Big Ten selection, earning second team honors as a sophomore and senior and a first team nod as a junior.
“Drake showed versatility for us this year,” said Griesbaum. “She showed tenacity on both sides of the ball and really helped us. She set the tone out there and was a scrappy fighter. She isn’t going to back down from anything.”
McGraw earned her second straight NFHCA West Region accolade after playing every minute in goal for the Hawkeyes this season, posting a 14-7 record with five shutouts. The Atherton, Calif., native ranked second in conference in goals against average (1.58) and fourth in save percentage (.721) in 2012. McGraw also earned first team All-Big Ten honors this season.
“Merty had another solid season,” said Griesbaum. “How she stepped up doesn’t always reflect on the stats sheet because she doesn’t handle a ton of shots. She’s a gifted athlete in goal and has a done a great job of organizing our defense.”
Stribos earned her first career all-region nod after scoring five goals and adding five assists during her junior campaign. The second team All-Big Ten selection ranked fifth on the team with 15 points.
“Marike had to play the toughest position, playing in the middle of the field,” said Griesbaum. “Everything is going on around you and she has to handle the opponent’s best player and most goals go through her. She did a lot to set the tone for our season and team as a whole.”
Forty-nine Hawkeyes have received regional All-America honors under Griesbaum.
The NFHCA All-America first, second and third teams will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 20.
