Iowa Edges Field Hockey 1-0 in NCAA Regional
November 15, 2008 | Field Hockey
Nov. 15, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - - The 13th-ranked University of Louisville field hockey team fell 1-0 to No.6 Iowa (17-4) in the first round of the NCAA regional Saturday at Michigan State's Ralph Young Field. The Cards close the season with a 14-7 overall record.
"I was obviously disappointed in the outcome, but at same time, extremely proud of our team and how they came out to play against a very seasoned Iowa team," said U of L head coach Pam Bustin. "Overall, there was a feeling of pride, but the team was dissatisfied. Hopefully that dissatisfaction will be what we will build on in the future."
The teams battled through 59 scoreless minutes before Iowa broke through with 10:27 remaining in the game. Roz Ellis connected on Iowa's seventh penalty corner of the half with assists from Lauren Pfeiffer and Caroline Baum.
In the first half, the teams were evenly matched with three shots and three penalty corner apiece and the break with the score tied at 0-0. Iowa
The Hawkeyes turned on the offense with four shots and three corners in the opening minutes of the second half, but Louisville held strong as junior Heather Bustanoby picked up three saves in the first five minutes.
The Cards' best scoring opportunity in the second half came with about 25 minutes remaining the in game. Sophomore Nicole Youman delivered a shot that went wide.
In the game, Iowa outshot Louisville 12-4 and held a 10-4 advantage in corners. Bustanoby (14-7) collected four saves for the Cards.
The 2008 Cards (14-7) earned their third consecutive BIG EAST Conference co-championship with a 5-1 league record and made their second appearance in the NCAA tournament.
U of L will host the 2008 NCAA Championship Nov. 21-23 at Trager Stadium.
