By Hawkeyesports.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  – The No. 2 Iowa field hockey team posted its second top-five win of the season, downing No. 5 Louisville, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon at Trager Stadium. The Hawkeyes move to an 8-0 start on the season – the best start since 1999 – with three wins against top-11 ranked foes.

“Our senior leadership shined through,” said head coach Lisa Cellucci. “This was a defensive battle and required great discipline to defend the lethal offense that Louisville possesses.”

The Hawkeyes got on the board in the 19th minute when senior Leah Zellner hit a laser from just inside the circle to give Iowa a 1-0 lead.  Just before half, the lead doubled when senior Ciara Smith found the back of the cage for her sixth strike.   Senior Ellie Holley was credited with the assist.

Up 2-0 at the break, there was a two hour and 27-minute weather delay before action resumed.  Out of delay, Iowa’s defense pressured Louisville the remainder of the match to seal the game and its sixth consecutive shutout.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI

“What a great day for the Hawks. This was a total team effort. I am so proud of the team and staff for staying present and focused through a lengthy weather delay.”

NOTABLES

• This is Iowa’s third victory over a nationally ranked team this season. The Hawkeyes have wins over No. 1 North Carolina, No. 5 Louisville and No. 11 Wake Forest.
• This is Iowa’s first win over Louisville since 2008 in the NCAA Tournament.
• Senior Grace McGuire recorded two saves on the day en route to her 13th career shutout.
• Iowa has not allowed a goal in 395:20 minutes of game time since the second game of the season against North Carolina.
• This was the first game this season Iowa didn’t score at least three goals.

UP NEXT

The Hawkeyes return home to host No. 8 Penn State for two games beginning Friday at 6 p.m. (CT).