Field hockey remains powerhouse
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The Iowa field-hockey team will try to continue the success it displayed over the previous three seasons with another Big Ten championship and Final Four berth. The Hawkeyes finished the 2008 campaign with their third-consecutive Big Ten Tournament championship as well as their first Final Four appearance since 1999.
What you should know
The Hawkeyes come into the 2009 season with a new look. Iowa graduated eight seniors from last season’s squad, seven of whom played instrumental roles in its Final Four run. As a result of losing eight players, head coach Tracey Griesbaum went out and signed eight freshmen to try to fill the void.
“We’re trying to reform our identity without eight seniors, trying to figure out who we are and what we’re capable of on the field,” Griesbaum said. “Heading into the fall, we have eight incoming freshmen who are going to have to have an impact right away.”
The signees include six field players and two goalies. The field players include two forwards, Hailey Chadbourne and Geena Lesiak, three midfielders, Sarah Drake, Sarah Pedrick, and Grace Dolfi, and one defender, Jessica Barnett. The two goalies are Kelsey Boyce and Kathleen McGraw.
Whom you should know
Despite a young roster, Iowa returns three proven seniors who have started all but two games throughout their combined careers — defenders Meghan Beamesderfer and Jess Werley, as well as midfielder Tricia Dean.
“I’m just going to try to be a positive leader and set a good example,” Dean said. “We have a really good foundation here in the spring, so it’ll just be whether the freshmen will come in running.”
Main rival
Iowa’s main rival has historically been Michigan. With Iowa State not having a field-hockey program, the Hawkeyes have had a history of battles with the Wolverines. Iowa is 4-5 against Michigan since 2004, with a 2-2 record in the Big Ten Tournament, and the 2008 conference tournament was the first time since 2003 the Hawkeyes did not match up against the Wolverines.
2008 accomplishments
• Overall record of 18-5
• Reached first Final Four since 1999 (lost 2-1 in overtime to Maryland)
• Iowa returns four starters
• Had a season high eight-game win streak, matching head coach Tracey Griesbaum’s longest in her tenure.
• Won third-consecutive Big Ten Tournament title.
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