A Shocking Turnaround
The University of Iowa field hockey squad, ranked eleventh, pulled off a stunning overtime victory against seventh‑seeded Wake Forest, rallying from a three‑goal hole to win 4‑3. The comeback was anchored by head coach Lisa Cellucci, who praised the team’s gritty spirit and highlighted the contributions of Ava Moore, Bianca Rees‑Gibbs and Reine van Hoof.
The match opened with Ava Moore striking first for Wake Forest at the 4:40 mark, followed by Bianca Rees‑Gibbs adding her inaugural collegiate goal in the opening quarter. Rory Heslin extended the lead with her first goal of the season in the second quarter, pushing the advantage to 3‑0.
Debutants Make Their Mark
Fréderique van Cleef found the net for Iowa in the third quarter, while Dionne van Aalsum, assisted by Lieve van Kessel, trimmed the deficit. Meg Tebben then delivered her first collegiate goal to tie the game in the fourth quarter. The overtime heroics were capped by Reine van Hoof, whose first collegiate goal secured the 4‑3 victory.
The win marks Iowa’s seventh consecutive triumph over Wake Forest and extends their unbeaten streak in season openers to nine. Graduate student Emily Edwards also made her collegiate debut, joining first‑years Amber Millard‑Smith, Meg Tebben and Myra Van De Kop in a promising new core.
Looking Ahead
The Hawkeyes will next travel to Winston‑Salem to face second‑ranked North Carolina on Sunday at 10 a.m. (CT). Coach Lisa Cellucci expressed confidence that the team’s momentum will carry them into a competitive showdown with the Tar Heels.