Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/744141
109 U niversity of Iowa field hockey seniors Chandler Ackers, Natalie Cafone, Alexandra Pecora, and Sophie Plasteras were introduced at Grant Field for a final time Oct. 21. It was a game the decorated class will not soon forget. Emotions ran high during the pregame ceremony. All four seniors were introduced with their families prior to the contest and honored for their leadership and contributions to the UI field hockey program. e Hawkeyes defeated Big Ten-foe Michigan State, 5-3, on a day appropriately deemed as Senior Day. Cafone — the Big Ten's leading goal scorer — registered the third hat trick of her career, while Plasteras added a goal and an assist. Cafone's three goals moved her into seventh on Iowa's all-time career goals list. e Fairfield, New Jersey, native is one goal shy of tying former Hawkeye Ellen Egan (68 career goals) for sixth. "My teammates set me up nicely. Without them, none of my goals would've happened," said Cafone. "I'm happy we came out with the win in our final game at Grant Field. We've had a great four years, so that's what's most important." e goal and assist by Plasteras contributed to her career-best season. e North Vancouver, Canada, native has posted single-season highs in goals (eight), assists (eight), and points (19) this season. "It hasn't fully sunk in yet," said Plasteras. "It all started to sink in a little bit as I walked up with my parents before the game. at was emotional. e past four years have made up the best experience of my life." e result le goalkeeper Pecora with a single- season high 11 wins. She has also posted a career- high three shutouts this season. In her 55 games in net for the Hawkeyes, Pecora has recorded 219 saves and six shutouts. "It is hard to believe that this was my last game at Grant Field," said Pecora. "It didn't hit me until I was walking out with parents. It went by so fast, but it's been awesome. e experience has been one I will never forget." Ackers scored her first career hat trick this season against Central Michigan on Sept. 7. e White Haven, Pennsylvania, native has registered single- season high 22 points so far this season. Ackers has scored 17 career goals and tallied 19 assists for a total of 53 points. "It means a lot to me to be a Hawkeye," said Ackers. "I've wanted to come here since seventh grade. Being an Iowa Hawkeye is the accomplishment I'm most proud of." Collectively, the 2016 field hockey senior class has accounted for seven weekly awards, five All-Big Ten academic selections, three NFHCA National Academic Squad members, three NFHCA All- Americans, three NFHCA West All-Region selections, three All-Big Ten honorees, two All-Big Ten Tournament Team members, one NFHCA West Region Player of the Year, one Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and one Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner. "ey are a complete class," said UI head coach Lisa Cellucci. "ey cover all areas of the field from forward to goalkeeper, and they have been steady for four years. ey have had outstanding performances and have gotten incrementally better as the years have gone on. at's all you can ask for from a senior class." And the foursome isn't done yet. e Hawkeyes conclude the regular season at Ohio State on Oct. 27, before traveling to the Big Ten Tournament in College Park, Maryland from Nov. 3-6.