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23 T he 10th ranked University of Iowa Field hockey team is off to a 10-2 start, its best since 2008. Katie Birch and Maddy Murphy headline a dominant one-two punch on the offensive end, but it's the Great Wall of Iowa, or the Hawkeye defense, that is leading this Big Ten powerhouse. Composed of two freshmen — Anthe Nijziel and Lokke Stribos — and senior Isabella Brown with junior Leslie Speight in goal, Iowa's defense has been nearly impenetrable. In 12 games this season, Iowa has held opponents to just over six shots and 0.67 goals per game. is time last season, Iowa had allowed an average of 9.7 shots per game, 24 goals, and 77 penalty corners. Fast forward to this season and Iowa's stout backline has allowed a measly eight goals and 43 penalty corners. Iowa head coach Lisa Cellucci didn't exactly expect this dominant defense this year, but she was hopeful. "It was something we were hoping to have," Cellucci said. "But to have two freshmen in the backfield, you're never sure, but they have done a wonderful job along with Izzy Brown. It's their poise. ey don't get rattled." "Our back three have been immense," said junior Birch, who is another key to Iowa's defense. "We call ourselves the 'Great Wall of Iowa,' for a bit of banter. We all try and bring fun to it and it has exceled this year." e Great Wall of Iowa's easygoingness, composure, and communication have quietly made Iowa's defense one of the best in the Big Ten. What else has been atop the Big Ten and national rankings? e play of Speight at goalkeeper, who was moved into a starting role weeks before the season because of an injury to freshman Grace McGuire. Her six shutouts, including four straight during nonconference play, rank first in the Big Ten and top five in the country. Speight's 0.64 goals against average and .826 save percentage rank third nationally and first in the Big Ten. Speight's success starts with the coaching of Cellucci, who is one of the best goalkeepers in program history. She earned four All-Big Ten and regional All-American selections, three All-American selections, and became Iowa's all- time saves leader with 592. Cellucci has used her playing experience to cra a strong defense with an even stronger goalkeeper. "I think it's incredible," said Birch of Cellucci's mentorship of Speight. "Lisa is an incredible goalkeeping coach. She spends so much time with Leslie and Leslie works hard for us. We try and repeat the favor." Speight's hard work is noticeable on game days and her ability to handle pressure has impressed Cellucci most. "She is of the utmost importance to our team," Cellucci said. "She has had a lot of composure and poise every day to bring her 'A' game, which is a lot of pressure. She has handled it well and done a good job of communicating with and organizing the defense. I couldn't be happier with where she is right now." e Hawkeye defense will be tested throughout October when it faces five straight top 25 opponents. Iowa begins a four-game homestand starting Oct. 5 against No. 6 Michigan and ending Oct. 14 against No. 3 Maryland. OCTOBER SCHEDULE Oct. 5 Michigan Oct. 7 Stanford Oct. 12 Penn State Oct. 14 Maryland Oct. 19 at Rutgers Oct. 28 Big Ten Tournament