By Hawkeyesports.com

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The No. 4 University of Iowa field hockey team (12-5, 5-3) downed No. 5 Northwestern (11-6, 5-3), 3-1, on Sunday afternoon at Karen Shelton Stadium.

Sunday’s matchup marked Iowa’s 18^th Elite Eight appearance and head to its 12^th NCAA Final Four appearance in program history on Friday, May 7.

HOW IT HAPPENED  

Iowa wasted no time and notched a goal by junior Ciara Smith assisted by sophomore Sofie Stribos in the first quarter to get the Hawkeyes rolling.

Northwestern answered back right away in the second quarter with a goal off its penalty corner to even the score.

The Hawkeyes weren’t done for the half and registered their second goal by senior Maddy Murphy to take the lead, 2-1, at half.

Iowa kept rolling opening the second half with a goal by junior Lokke Stribos off a penalty corner to seal the game and advance the Hawkeyes to the Final Four.

HEAR FROM COACH CELLUCCI  

“I could not be more proud of our performance today. We started fast and kept our foot on the gas all game. We showed unbelievable grit and resilience against a very talented Northwestern team. This team deserves this moment as they have worked unbelievably hard to advance to our program’s twelfth Final Four.”

NOTABLES  

• Iowa’s 25th NCAA Tournament appearance has included the program’s 18th Elite Eight and, now, its 12^th Final Four.
• The Hawkeyes outshot the Wildcats, 18-13.
• Ciara Smith’s goal was her first of the season, Lokke Stribos’ is her second, and Maddy Murphy registered her eighth.

UP NEXT 

No. 4 Iowa will take on No. 1 North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. at noon or 3 p.m. (CT) on Friday at Karen Shelton Stadium.