Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/744141
111 T here wasn't any quit from the 2016 University of Iowa soccer team. Despite being eliminated from Big Ten Tournament contention with two regular-season contests le on the docket, the Hawkeyes didn't stop competing. Iowa split its final two Big Ten Conference games, winning 2-0 at Maryland on Oct. 21 — for its first Big Ten road win of the year — before falling in its season finale at Nebraska, 1-0. "is group didn't quit all season," said UI head coach Dave DiIanni, whose Hawkeyes finished the year with an 8-11 overall record, 2-9 in the league. "We saw growth throughout the year and talked about that every day. We know we were a better team this year than last year, but the results didn't come. "(e players) know we are on the cusp, but also realize it's going to take more work to get over the hump." e Hawkeyes opened the season with six wins in its first seven games, including road triumphs at Missouri and Iowa State. Iowa's offense was a catalyst, scoring 21 goals during the opening eight- game stretch of the season. Iowa had chances in league play, firing off more than 100 shots, but it couldn't capitalize at the early-season rate. e Hawkeyes scored four goals over the final two months of Big Ten action. "We need to be more consistent with our performance and with the energy level and focus we have," said DiIanni. "We had good highs and big lulls. I would like it to be more gradual and not be so pendulum-swinging. As we do that it will signify more wins and better performances." Rome wasn't built in a day. DiIanni, who just wrapped up his third season at the helm of the program, says it is a process to strengthen the culture and shape the foundation. "It takes time," said DiIanni. "e more consistent we can be as individuals, the more consistent we will be as a team, day-in and day-out and year-in and year-out. "ere was a lot of growth on our roster this year and that was infectious. As you see players invest in the program and gain experience, that puts us in a position for growth. We've been happy with that investment, but we have a long way to go." e Hawkeyes will have a strong base returning in 2017 with 22 letterwinners and 10 starters back. at includes 10 of the team's top 11 goal scorers and three goalkeepers.