EASTON, Pa. — The 13th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team defeated Bucknell, 3-1, Friday night at Rappolt Field in their season opener.
The Hawkeyes started off strong as sophomore Natalie Cafone netted Iowa’s first goal just five minutes into the game. After Bucknell tied the game off a deflection, freshman Stephanie Norlander put Iowa back on top beating the Bison goaltender on the backhand.
Niki Schultheis opened the scoring for the visiting team in the second half giving the Hawkeyes a 3-1 lead. Iowa played strong defensively limiting Bucknell to just five shots on goal in the game and no goals in the second half. Kelcey Boyce picked up her first collegiate win for the Hawkeyes.
“Definitely a great first game for us,” said head coach Tracey Griesbaum. “It was pretty much everything we expected and a little bit more so I was pleased with the outcome. I think everyone played well top to bottom.”
The Hawkeyes see the field next on Sunday as they take on defending Patriot League Champions Lafayette College. Game time is set for 11 a.m. (CT). The Hawkeyes open their home slate, Sept. 7-8, hosting the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Iowa faces Wake Forest on Sept. 7 at 11:30 a.m. (CT) and North Carolina on Sept. 8 at 11:30 a.m. (CT).
