Close.
Well not really.
The University of Iowa volleyball team got worked out of the gym Friday night against the well-oiled-machine that was the Iowa State Cyclones. (Yes, Iowa won the football game, but I doubt that means a whole lot to Sharon Dingman) But the Hawkeyes had little time to lick their wounds. (Can a Hawk lick its wounds?) They quickly turned around to find another athletic and talented team standing in their way: the Drake Bulldogs.
Iowa dropped the match against Drake, but unlike being swept by ISU, the Drake match was interesting. Dare I say exciting? Although the Hawkeyes won the first set against Drake, they were unable to hang on, eventually falling in 5 sets. It was interesting, but when the air was cleared it was still a mark in the L column.
So now the Hawkeyes have dropped two in a row for the first time all season. Okay. They still sit at 5-3, and still have a lot of potential this season.
Iowa has one match at Northern Illinois on September 19th before entering a gauntlet that is the Big Ten volleyball schedule. Right out of the gate, the Hawks hit the highway for Big Ten play: #22 Michigan and 7-3 Michigan State.
Although the value of a season largely is defined by the conference schedule, this NIU match will be very tellingfor this squad. How they perform against the Huskies could set the table for the rest of the season. Do they bounce back strong after losing two in a row to interstate rivals? Do they lose confidence and tailspin into the dirt?
They are talented. They are young. The need something positive before the Big Ten schedule. Before the Wolverines.
They need to at least beat the Huskies, preferably sweep the Huskies. If not, this could be a long fall for the 2010 Hawkeye volleyball team.
It seems to me that a lot more than a W is on the line when the Hawkeyes visit the Huskies.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Volleyball Serves up First Taste of Cy-Hawk Series
The Iowa Hawkeye volleyball team will start the Cy-Hawk series tonight in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and hoping to put together an upset over the #11 Cyclones. Both teams are playing well, and both teams deeply want to get a win over the in-state rival.
While the majority of Iowa’s volleyball team consists of out-of-staters, there are 4 native Iowan on the roster. Four players, out of 13 on the roster, who know all too well what this rivalry means. Four players (at least) who know that the Cy-Hawk rivalry goes further than football and deeper than sports. On the Ames side, five players are native Iowans, and they surely have spread the word about what the Cy-Hawk series means to the state.
Hawkeyes don’t want to beat the Cyclones, we want to dominate them. Hawkeyes want to be bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, better looking and drive a fancier car than the Cyclones. And the same goes for the Cyclones, many of whom would rather prefer their football team go 1-11 and beat the Hawkeye than go 6-6 and receive a bowl bid.
The Cyclones volleyball team currently sits at 6-1; their only loss coming to then #13 Florida. Most recently, the ISU volleyball team knocked off #18 Northern Iowa, making short work of the Panthers in three sets. The Hawkeyes also sit with one loss, but haven’t yet faced the caliber of competition that ISU brings to Carver tonight.
The Hawkeye leaders include Mallory Husz, who has 84 kills, a team high, and Becky Walters (Upper Deck Beck), who is second on the team with 69. Walters also has 35 digs, a display of her senior experience and ability to do a little bit of everything well. The Hawkeyes need to keep it close. Iowa seems to start slow, being 2-4 in first sets. However, the Hawks have a winning record in all other sets, including 3-0 in match deciding fifth sets. The only problem: Iowa State has yet to be forced into a fifth set. Four of their six wins came in sweeps, the other two in four sets. They haven’t been pushed, yet. (FYI- ISU’s lone loss to Florida came in four sets.
Sharon Dingman and senior leader Becky Walters will be tested, but this is a great chance to put their stamp on the college volleyball ranks. If the squad can come together and play good team volleyball, they can hang with the Cyclones. If they keep it close, anything can happen. And maybe, just maybe, the Hawkeye volleyball team can start the weekend, and the Cy-Hawk series, with a win. Either way, we all know the Hawks are still smarter, better looking and probably drive fancier cars.
While the majority of Iowa’s volleyball team consists of out-of-staters, there are 4 native Iowan on the roster. Four players, out of 13 on the roster, who know all too well what this rivalry means. Four players (at least) who know that the Cy-Hawk rivalry goes further than football and deeper than sports. On the Ames side, five players are native Iowans, and they surely have spread the word about what the Cy-Hawk series means to the state.
Hawkeyes don’t want to beat the Cyclones, we want to dominate them. Hawkeyes want to be bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, better looking and drive a fancier car than the Cyclones. And the same goes for the Cyclones, many of whom would rather prefer their football team go 1-11 and beat the Hawkeye than go 6-6 and receive a bowl bid.
The Cyclones volleyball team currently sits at 6-1; their only loss coming to then #13 Florida. Most recently, the ISU volleyball team knocked off #18 Northern Iowa, making short work of the Panthers in three sets. The Hawkeyes also sit with one loss, but haven’t yet faced the caliber of competition that ISU brings to Carver tonight.
The Hawkeye leaders include Mallory Husz, who has 84 kills, a team high, and Becky Walters (Upper Deck Beck), who is second on the team with 69. Walters also has 35 digs, a display of her senior experience and ability to do a little bit of everything well. The Hawkeyes need to keep it close. Iowa seems to start slow, being 2-4 in first sets. However, the Hawks have a winning record in all other sets, including 3-0 in match deciding fifth sets. The only problem: Iowa State has yet to be forced into a fifth set. Four of their six wins came in sweeps, the other two in four sets. They haven’t been pushed, yet. (FYI- ISU’s lone loss to Florida came in four sets.
Sharon Dingman and senior leader Becky Walters will be tested, but this is a great chance to put their stamp on the college volleyball ranks. If the squad can come together and play good team volleyball, they can hang with the Cyclones. If they keep it close, anything can happen. And maybe, just maybe, the Hawkeye volleyball team can start the weekend, and the Cy-Hawk series, with a win. Either way, we all know the Hawks are still smarter, better looking and probably drive fancier cars.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2010-11 Wrestling Schedule Leaves Me Wanting More
The University of Iowa athletics department recently released the schedule for the 2010-2011 wrestling team, and while I am excited to get things going for the Hawkeye grapplers this season, I am, quite honestly, severely disappointed with this year’s schedule.
Not only do the Hawkeyes miss a dual meet against Big Ten foes Wisconsin and Illinois, the Hawks are not scheduled to participate in the 2011 Cliff Keen National Duals Tournament in Cedar Falls!
I can get over not wrestling Illinois, but losing the dual against the Badgers seems like an egregious offense. Wisconsin head wrestling coach (and Cedar Rapids native) Barry Davis is a former Hawkeye athlete, and one of the first star wrestlers under Dan Gable. At Iowa, Davis was a four-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion. Although Wisconsin doesn’t reach the same level of Iowa on the mat, this dual always included a little fire. Most notably, two years ago Iowa wrestler Ryan Morningstar and Badger Andrew Howe slugged it out through four overtime periods. The match was finally settled off of riding time, but not before an all out shouting match involving Tom Brands, Barry Davis, Dan Gable, and more than a few rabid Hawkeye fans. All the while, Howe and Morningstar were too winded to do anything but focus on the next breath of air.
But to drop the dual tournament! For shame! The last two year, I have had the privilege of covering wrestling for KRUI. While attending the 2010 NCAA Championships in Omaha was a great highlight, I enjoyed the duals tournament more than anything. You get to see all the best dual match-ups, and both of the Iowa wrestling rivals are in attendance: ISU and Minnesota. Now the duals tournament is lacking the Hawkeyes, pulling away both fans from Iowa and interest from other schools that get the chance to beat Goliath. N
This year the duals will feature Ohio State, UNI, ISU, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Virginia Tech and Cornell, among others, but no Hawks. Not only do these squads miss the opportunity to knock off the Hawkeyes, but the Hawkeyes miss the chance to sharpen their skills against top notch opponents. And, among other black-and-gold faithful, I miss the chance to see it!
I can't wait for the ISU meet, and look forward to the Midlands Championship, but right now the 2010-11 Iowa wrestling schedule feels like a bratwurst with no sauerkraut: good, but lacking.
Not only do the Hawkeyes miss a dual meet against Big Ten foes Wisconsin and Illinois, the Hawks are not scheduled to participate in the 2011 Cliff Keen National Duals Tournament in Cedar Falls!
I can get over not wrestling Illinois, but losing the dual against the Badgers seems like an egregious offense. Wisconsin head wrestling coach (and Cedar Rapids native) Barry Davis is a former Hawkeye athlete, and one of the first star wrestlers under Dan Gable. At Iowa, Davis was a four-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion. Although Wisconsin doesn’t reach the same level of Iowa on the mat, this dual always included a little fire. Most notably, two years ago Iowa wrestler Ryan Morningstar and Badger Andrew Howe slugged it out through four overtime periods. The match was finally settled off of riding time, but not before an all out shouting match involving Tom Brands, Barry Davis, Dan Gable, and more than a few rabid Hawkeye fans. All the while, Howe and Morningstar were too winded to do anything but focus on the next breath of air.
But to drop the dual tournament! For shame! The last two year, I have had the privilege of covering wrestling for KRUI. While attending the 2010 NCAA Championships in Omaha was a great highlight, I enjoyed the duals tournament more than anything. You get to see all the best dual match-ups, and both of the Iowa wrestling rivals are in attendance: ISU and Minnesota. Now the duals tournament is lacking the Hawkeyes, pulling away both fans from Iowa and interest from other schools that get the chance to beat Goliath. N
This year the duals will feature Ohio State, UNI, ISU, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Virginia Tech and Cornell, among others, but no Hawks. Not only do these squads miss the opportunity to knock off the Hawkeyes, but the Hawkeyes miss the chance to sharpen their skills against top notch opponents. And, among other black-and-gold faithful, I miss the chance to see it!
I can't wait for the ISU meet, and look forward to the Midlands Championship, but right now the 2010-11 Iowa wrestling schedule feels like a bratwurst with no sauerkraut: good, but lacking.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Cross Country Teams off to Fine Start
Both Iowa Cross Country teams started the 2010 season this past weekend, and things couldn't have gone any better for the Hawkeye runners...or joggers... or...dogtrotters...opened the 2010 campaign at the Hawkeye Invitational in winning form, displaying a level of endurance that even Tom Brands would admire.
The men's and women's teams are a combined 4-0 after sweeping the competition at the Hawkeye Invitational in Iowa City. Wins over Illinois State and Missouri-Kansas City rang in the 2010 season, and brought both teams out in a confident fashion.
Leading the way for the Iowa men was sophomore Jeff Thode, who took third place in the men’s 6K run with an overall time of 19:04. (Thode took first place in this event last year) Team captain Mark Battista was right behind him with a time of 19:07, good enough for fourth. Although the best Iowa finish was only third, the Hawks also took fourth through seventh place, giving them enough points for the victory.
For the women, Iowa’s Lauren Hardesty won the 3K, and the Hawks took the top four finishes, giving them a pair of dual wins.
The Hawkeye cross country teams are not done in Iowa City however. This coming weekend the Hawks will canter in the Iowa Invitational. That’s right, lat week it was the Hawkeye Invitational, next week the Iowa Invitational. I’m still waiting for the Herky Invitational.
The men's and women's teams are a combined 4-0 after sweeping the competition at the Hawkeye Invitational in Iowa City. Wins over Illinois State and Missouri-Kansas City rang in the 2010 season, and brought both teams out in a confident fashion.
Leading the way for the Iowa men was sophomore Jeff Thode, who took third place in the men’s 6K run with an overall time of 19:04. (Thode took first place in this event last year) Team captain Mark Battista was right behind him with a time of 19:07, good enough for fourth. Although the best Iowa finish was only third, the Hawks also took fourth through seventh place, giving them enough points for the victory.
For the women, Iowa’s Lauren Hardesty won the 3K, and the Hawks took the top four finishes, giving them a pair of dual wins.
The Hawkeye cross country teams are not done in Iowa City however. This coming weekend the Hawks will canter in the Iowa Invitational. That’s right, lat week it was the Hawkeye Invitational, next week the Iowa Invitational. I’m still waiting for the Herky Invitational.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Iowa Soccer Puts the Clamps on Adversaries
Turns out the most notable defense at the University of Iowa may not belong to the #9ranked Hawkeye football team. This weekend, Head Coach Ron Rainey’s women’s soccer team put together a 6-0 win over the intrastate rival Northern Iowa Panthers. This marks the 4th shutout the Hawkeye soccer team has posted this season; that’s four shutouts in five games.
After going scoreless themselves in the season opener against DePaul, the Iowa women’s soccer team seems to have pulled the hard 180.
In the past four games, the Hawkeyes have out worked their opponents by a combined score of 12-0. Not all of the wins were blowouts however: most notably, a 1-0 nail biter against Central Michigan, which saw a lone second half goal off the foot of forward Alyssa Cosnek be the difference. The lesson here seems to be that the Hawkeyes can win with 1-0 close calls or 6-0 out right beat downs. (For people who can only think in touchdowns, 6-0 in soccer = 42-0 in football.)
The Hawkeyes have used a swarming team effort to keep their opponents out of the net. In the last four games, the Hawkeyes have taken 61 shots. Hawkeye opponents have only mustered 35.
Although it took the Hawkeyes 24 minutes to get the first goal against UNI on Sunday, Iowa found the back of the net for their second goal less than five minutes later. It was open season after that, as the Hawkeyes used a total team effort to secure the win over the Panthers of the northland. Each of the six goals can from a different player, and five Hawkeye players added to their season assist totals, led by Stefani Campbell who had two assists in the match. Also, ten Iowa players took shots at the Northern Iowa goal. In comparison, only four Panther players took shots. (FYI- The Hawkeyes took 19 total shots to UNI’s 7)
Yes, the season is young and the real test for Ron Rainey’s squad will come when Big Ten competition starts in late September against Minnesota, but right now you have to be optimistic about this team. This is a talented squad with a lot of senior leadership and experience. Judging from the last four games the Iowa Hawkeye soccer teams knows what it's doing, offensively and defensivly.
After going scoreless themselves in the season opener against DePaul, the Iowa women’s soccer team seems to have pulled the hard 180.
In the past four games, the Hawkeyes have out worked their opponents by a combined score of 12-0. Not all of the wins were blowouts however: most notably, a 1-0 nail biter against Central Michigan, which saw a lone second half goal off the foot of forward Alyssa Cosnek be the difference. The lesson here seems to be that the Hawkeyes can win with 1-0 close calls or 6-0 out right beat downs. (For people who can only think in touchdowns, 6-0 in soccer = 42-0 in football.)
The Hawkeyes have used a swarming team effort to keep their opponents out of the net. In the last four games, the Hawkeyes have taken 61 shots. Hawkeye opponents have only mustered 35.
Although it took the Hawkeyes 24 minutes to get the first goal against UNI on Sunday, Iowa found the back of the net for their second goal less than five minutes later. It was open season after that, as the Hawkeyes used a total team effort to secure the win over the Panthers of the northland. Each of the six goals can from a different player, and five Hawkeye players added to their season assist totals, led by Stefani Campbell who had two assists in the match. Also, ten Iowa players took shots at the Northern Iowa goal. In comparison, only four Panther players took shots. (FYI- The Hawkeyes took 19 total shots to UNI’s 7)
Yes, the season is young and the real test for Ron Rainey’s squad will come when Big Ten competition starts in late September against Minnesota, but right now you have to be optimistic about this team. This is a talented squad with a lot of senior leadership and experience. Judging from the last four games the Iowa Hawkeye soccer teams knows what it's doing, offensively and defensivly.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Never too Early to Start a Rally
Today is Thursday, September 02, 2010, and all of Iowa is preparing for the first kickoff of the 2010 Hawkeye Football season. We got Fry Fest, Hawkapalooza, football pregame shows and even an attempt at the world record for the biggest hokey pokey dance, all in the name of Hawkeye football! We Iowans and our non-resident black and gold brethren are ready for smash mouth rushing and lock down defense.
But I want to take this chance to start the rallying cry for a different event- one that takes place at the end of November. The day after Thanksgiving to be exact. The Iowa Hawkeye Volleyball team will host #1 ranked Penn State- that’s right, I’m starting the rally cry for all Hawkeye fans to pack Carver for a volleyball match that takes place in two months!
The Iowa Hawkeye volleyball program has been on a steady rise since the arrival of head coach Sharon Dingman in 2008.
In 2007, the Iowa Hawkeyes finished 9-22 overall and a disappointing 1-19 in Big Ten play. The year before, they had two wins in the conference. Obviously, the program was struggling.
After head coach Cindy Fredrick (mother of former UNI basketball star Ali Farokhmanesh, and childhood friend of my mother; not sure which is a greater claim-to-fame) left the program in December of 2007, it opened the door for Gary Barta to hire someone who could turn the program around. In the spring, Barta would announce the hiring of Illinois State coach Sharon Dingman, who led her team to the 2007 NCAA Tournament and brought over 330 career wins to Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Right out of the gate, the Hawkeyes showed the signs of improvement. Highlights of the 2008 season included a sweep of 18th ranked Wisconsin in the Big Ten opener, and the snapping an 18 match road losing streak, which came in Columbus, Ohio. Dingman would finish her first season 14-18 overall, but most importantly, 6-14 in conference play. No, it wasn’t a winning record, but it was much, much better.
In 2009 Iowa Volleyball continued the climb. Although the record didn’t show it, (the Hawks finished with 5 Big Ten wins) the 2009 team was another step in the right direction. Most notably, the Hawkeyes won a set against #1 Penn State. No, they didn’t win the match, but the then two time defending national champion Nittany Lions had won 141 straight sets! The Hawkeyes broke that up. Not great, but it is something to hang your hat on…or knee pads in this case. (FYI- The 11 Big Ten wins in 2008-09 was the most since 2000-01)
Now the Hawkeyes are off to a 3-0 start for 2010. Coach Sharon Dingman and senior 6-3 leader Becky Walters (“Upper Deck Beck”, as she is known at KRUI) are looking to continue the positive trend, but it won’t be easy. As of today, Penn State is still on top, and Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa State are all ranked in the top 25.
So as of right now, I am officially driving the band wagon! Calling all Hawkeye fans, we need to get behind this team! Single match tickets are $3 and FREE for students and youth. (Beats $100 for a football game!)
Let’s get it started Friday, September 10th against #12 Iowa State, keep it rolling in Carver when we welcome #8 Minnesota, #5 Illinois and #19 Michigan. And finally, Friday night, November 26th, against current #1 and three time defending national champions. Penn State is to Women’s Volleyball what Iowa is to Wrestling. Let’s pack Carver-Hawkeye Area, root for the Iowa and see what happens… GO HAWKS!
But I want to take this chance to start the rallying cry for a different event- one that takes place at the end of November. The day after Thanksgiving to be exact. The Iowa Hawkeye Volleyball team will host #1 ranked Penn State- that’s right, I’m starting the rally cry for all Hawkeye fans to pack Carver for a volleyball match that takes place in two months!
The Iowa Hawkeye volleyball program has been on a steady rise since the arrival of head coach Sharon Dingman in 2008.
In 2007, the Iowa Hawkeyes finished 9-22 overall and a disappointing 1-19 in Big Ten play. The year before, they had two wins in the conference. Obviously, the program was struggling.
After head coach Cindy Fredrick (mother of former UNI basketball star Ali Farokhmanesh, and childhood friend of my mother; not sure which is a greater claim-to-fame) left the program in December of 2007, it opened the door for Gary Barta to hire someone who could turn the program around. In the spring, Barta would announce the hiring of Illinois State coach Sharon Dingman, who led her team to the 2007 NCAA Tournament and brought over 330 career wins to Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Right out of the gate, the Hawkeyes showed the signs of improvement. Highlights of the 2008 season included a sweep of 18th ranked Wisconsin in the Big Ten opener, and the snapping an 18 match road losing streak, which came in Columbus, Ohio. Dingman would finish her first season 14-18 overall, but most importantly, 6-14 in conference play. No, it wasn’t a winning record, but it was much, much better.
In 2009 Iowa Volleyball continued the climb. Although the record didn’t show it, (the Hawks finished with 5 Big Ten wins) the 2009 team was another step in the right direction. Most notably, the Hawkeyes won a set against #1 Penn State. No, they didn’t win the match, but the then two time defending national champion Nittany Lions had won 141 straight sets! The Hawkeyes broke that up. Not great, but it is something to hang your hat on…or knee pads in this case. (FYI- The 11 Big Ten wins in 2008-09 was the most since 2000-01)
Now the Hawkeyes are off to a 3-0 start for 2010. Coach Sharon Dingman and senior 6-3 leader Becky Walters (“Upper Deck Beck”, as she is known at KRUI) are looking to continue the positive trend, but it won’t be easy. As of today, Penn State is still on top, and Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa State are all ranked in the top 25.
So as of right now, I am officially driving the band wagon! Calling all Hawkeye fans, we need to get behind this team! Single match tickets are $3 and FREE for students and youth. (Beats $100 for a football game!)
Let’s get it started Friday, September 10th against #12 Iowa State, keep it rolling in Carver when we welcome #8 Minnesota, #5 Illinois and #19 Michigan. And finally, Friday night, November 26th, against current #1 and three time defending national champions. Penn State is to Women’s Volleyball what Iowa is to Wrestling. Let’s pack Carver-Hawkeye Area, root for the Iowa and see what happens… GO HAWKS!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Life's too Short to Not Go Fishing (Oh, and Sports!)
Friday morning, 6am. Still whipping away the sleep; but a cold shower and hot coffee zap me into readiness. Now what to do? There's something I'm supposed to do today...radio show at noon, West High football game at 7. The way I figure I need to be at the station doing prep work by 10:30, leaving me just enough time to hit the lake for an hour. Even Sports Directors get to go fishing once in a while...
That's basically how my weekend started, and damn near how it ended, but you probably don't want to read about how my failed attempt at top water fishing and how I should have used a crank or spinner or soft-plastic jig...or do you?....no you don't.
This weekend marked the first competition for a lot of the Hawkeye sports teams. Field Hockey traveled out east to take on a gauntlet of top teams in the Big Ten/ACC challenge, Volleyball got the 2010 season rolling in Carver at the Hawkeye Challenge, and the women's soccer team stayed in Iowa City for Iowa Tournament against the likes of Northern Illinois and Central Michigan.
It was a good weekend for the Hawks.
Most notably, Coach Sharon Dingman's volleyball squad is off to a 3-0 start, going 9-3 in set play. If you are looking for a rising team, look no further than Iowa Volleyball, which has shown steady improvement over the last two seasons since the arrival of Sharon Dingman. Although missing some experience from last season's team due to injury and graduation, this team is loaded with fresh talent, and is lead by 6-3 senior Becky Walters. "Upper Deck Beck", as she will be known from here on out, had 5 block against Alabama to start the season, and 6 kills in the second set against Southern Illinois, and 16 kills against Green Bay.
Although Field Hockey is a different story, having started the season 0-2 in the Big Ten/ACC challenge, it should be noted that their weekend featured match ups against #6 Wake Forest and #1 North Carolina. Expect this team to bounce back at home this coming Sunday against Miami of Ohio at Grant Field.
Coach Ron Rainey, leading his soccer squad into the weekend's Iowa Tournament in Iowa City, said he liked his team's effort and composure after two wins, bringing the overall record to 2-1 on the young season. A single goal was all the winner on Sunday, as junior Alyssa Cosnek took a charging goalie head-on and tapped the ball home for a second half score.
All in all, a great weekend to be a Hawkeye. Now, if only I could get these fish to start biting...
That's basically how my weekend started, and damn near how it ended, but you probably don't want to read about how my failed attempt at top water fishing and how I should have used a crank or spinner or soft-plastic jig...or do you?....no you don't.
This weekend marked the first competition for a lot of the Hawkeye sports teams. Field Hockey traveled out east to take on a gauntlet of top teams in the Big Ten/ACC challenge, Volleyball got the 2010 season rolling in Carver at the Hawkeye Challenge, and the women's soccer team stayed in Iowa City for Iowa Tournament against the likes of Northern Illinois and Central Michigan.
It was a good weekend for the Hawks.
Most notably, Coach Sharon Dingman's volleyball squad is off to a 3-0 start, going 9-3 in set play. If you are looking for a rising team, look no further than Iowa Volleyball, which has shown steady improvement over the last two seasons since the arrival of Sharon Dingman. Although missing some experience from last season's team due to injury and graduation, this team is loaded with fresh talent, and is lead by 6-3 senior Becky Walters. "Upper Deck Beck", as she will be known from here on out, had 5 block against Alabama to start the season, and 6 kills in the second set against Southern Illinois, and 16 kills against Green Bay.
Although Field Hockey is a different story, having started the season 0-2 in the Big Ten/ACC challenge, it should be noted that their weekend featured match ups against #6 Wake Forest and #1 North Carolina. Expect this team to bounce back at home this coming Sunday against Miami of Ohio at Grant Field.
Coach Ron Rainey, leading his soccer squad into the weekend's Iowa Tournament in Iowa City, said he liked his team's effort and composure after two wins, bringing the overall record to 2-1 on the young season. A single goal was all the winner on Sunday, as junior Alyssa Cosnek took a charging goalie head-on and tapped the ball home for a second half score.
All in all, a great weekend to be a Hawkeye. Now, if only I could get these fish to start biting...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)