By Hawkeyesports.com

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern’s Ana Medina Garcia’s sudden death shootout goal propelled the third-ranked Wildcats to a 2-1 victory over the 11th-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team on Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Field.

The Hawkeyes conclude the 2022 season with a 12-8 record. Iowa advanced to the Elite Eight for the 21st time in program history.

Iowa grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of a penalty corner. Senior Anthe Nijziel’s shot deflected off of Leah Zellner’s stick to give the Hawkeyes a 1-0 lead.

The lead was short lived as Northwestern’s Bente Baekers scored the equalizer just three minutes later. Baekers scored following assists from Kyla Blas and Alia Marshall to even the score at one.

After both overtimes remained scoreless, the Hawkeyes found themselves in a shooting for a second straight game.

With the score tied at three, Medina Garcia scored the goal ahead goal to give the Wildcats the advantage. Northwestern’s Annabel Skubisz then got her stick on sophomore Annika Herbine’s attempt to clinch the win.

Redshirt freshman Mia Magnotta made four saves in the game – her third career start.

QUOTING HEAD COACH LISA CELLUCCI
“We played an outstanding game of hockey, and I couldn’t be prouder of this team and the grit and heart they displayed from start to finish.”

OF NOTE…
– Both teams finished the game with nine shots and five shots on goal.
– The Hawkeyes have won at least one game in four straight NCAA Tournaments.
– Three Big Ten schools – Northwestern, Maryland and Penn State — advanced to next week’s Final Four in Storrs, Connecticut.