IOWA CITY — No. 5 Iowa field hockey erased a halftime deficit and delivered another comeback Sunday, September 27, beating Ohio State 3-2 behind Fréderique van Cleef’s fourth-quarter winner and a career-high nine saves from goalkeeper Julia Claessens.
The Hawkeyes scored twice after halftime at Grant Field to secure their fourth come-from-behind victory of the season. The win followed Iowa’s 4-1 victory over the Buckeyes on Friday, giving the Hawkeyes two wins over Ohio State in three days.
Dionne van Aalsum opened the scoring just 5:17 into Sunday’s contest, finishing off an assist from Lieve van Kessel for her 11th goal of the season.
The goal also carried historical significance. Van Aalsum now has 76 career goals, moving her into a tie for third place on Iowa’s all-time list.
Ohio State answered with two quick strikes in the second quarter.
Phillippa Jowett scored an unassisted equalizer at 15:18, just 18 seconds into the period. Lea DeWan followed with another unassisted goal at 19:17, turning Iowa’s early advantage into a 2-1 halftime deficit.
The Hawkeyes regrouped and took control of the scoring after the break.
Reine van Hoof pulled Iowa even at 35:58, netting an unassisted goal for her fourth score of the season.
Van Cleef then supplied the decisive finish at 49:53, scoring unassisted in the fourth quarter to put Iowa ahead for good. Her 14th goal of the season completed the rally.
Ohio State finished with a 19-13 advantage in shots, but Claessens delivered the strongest save total of her young collegiate career to help Iowa withstand the Buckeyes.
The first-year goalkeeper improved to 2-0 this season and has recorded 15 saves.
Sunday’s rally continued a pattern for an Iowa team that has repeatedly found a way back from trouble, including a fourth-quarter comeback against No. 16 Miami earlier this month.
The Hawkeyes return to action Friday, October 2, against Michigan in Ann Arbor. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. Central and will be streamed on B1G+.