By hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The fifth-ranked University of Iowa field hockey team scored four second-half goals to secure a 4-1 victory over Ohio State and earn its first conference win Friday afternoon at Grant Field. Fréderique van Cleef led the Hawkeyes with two goals.

“I think that’s what we have the ability to do,” head coach Lisa Cellucci said. “We’ve been in a little skid offensively, especially with the way Indiana played us. Ohio State is a really good team, and we still have a lot to fix for Sunday, but I think it gives us a lot of confidence knowing we can.”

After a scoreless first half, Iowa broke through early in the third quarter when Lexie Haig scored her first goal of the season at the 30:24 mark off an assist from Dionne van Aalsum.

The Hawkeyes extended their lead in the fourth quarter with three consecutive goals. Reine van Hoof made it 2-0 at the 45:30 mark with an unassisted strike.

Van Cleef followed with back-to-back goals, scoring unassisted at 48:00 for her 12th goal of the season before converting a penalty corner at 51:39 off an assist from Tea Fortpied. The goal marked her 13th of the season and set a new single-season career high.

“Fréderique was a game-changer today,” Cellucci said. “Her skill was unbelievable, and her defense was fantastic.”

Ohio State got on the scoreboard at the 53:44 mark when Katie Fichtner scored off an assist from Carmela Maro, but Iowa held on for the 4-1 victory.

Julia Claessens made her second start of the season and recorded four saves to earn the victory.

Of Note
– Van Cleef’s 13th goal of the season set a new career high.
– Claessens’ win marked her first career victory.
– Haig scored her first goal of the season.

Up Next
The Hawkeyes return to action Sunday, Sept. 27, for a nonconference contest against Ohio State at noon CT in Iowa City. The game will be streamed on B1G+.