HAWK TALK

September 2017

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109 W ith a group of core returners and an impressive class of newcomers, the No. 17 University of Iowa field hockey team has set the bar high for the 2017 season. "e standard is set," said Iowa head coach Lisa Cellucci, "Our sights are set on the Big Ten season and going aer a Big Ten Championship." e Hawkeyes began the 2017 slate hosting 15th-ranked Wake Forest and top-ranked North Carolina as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge at Grant Field. Despite dropping both matches, Iowa looks to draw on the learning opportunities that the weekend provided. "We've been playing in this series for 16 years," said Cellucci." "It only helps us because we know right away what we are going to need for the toughest competition in the country and what we have to improve upon." Iowa returns 12 letterwinners from last season, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year Katie Birch. e NFHCA second-team All-West Region selection registered 28 points last season — the second-most on the team. Birch and seniors Mallory Leowitz and Melissa Progar were each named preseason All-Big Ten honorees. e Hawkeyes also welcome eight newcomers to the 2017 roster, all of which made their Hawkeye debut last weekend. "Our newcomers have been awesome," said Leowitz. "It is always nice to have more numbers. Everyone comes from a different place and we all have different backgrounds. Everyone brings a part of their skills to the field and to Iowa." While the team looks young on paper, seven of Iowa's 12 returners saw action in all 19 contests last season. "Our returners have a lot of experience and that is going to help tremendously," said Cellucci. "Our sophomores and juniors that played some minutes last year will benefit us, because we know they have experience. "We will also have a lot of newcomers in new positions on the field. at's a positive, because we are only going to get better as the season goes on." With a roster mixed with newcomers and veterans, the Hawkeyes are ready to make their return to postseason play. "We want to win and go as far as we can," said Leowitz. "We definitely want to make a statement in the Big Ten and get back to the NCAA Tournament." e Hawkeyes host six more home events at Grant Field this season. Two of its six matches feature a ranked opponent, including No. 14 Northwestern (Oct. 13) and No. 11 Michigan (Oct. 15). SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE Sept. 8 New Hampshire Sept. 10 New Hampshire Sept. 15 at Penn State Sept. 17 at Penn Sept. 22 at Maryland Sept. 24 at Rutgers Sept. 29 Indiana

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