CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – The Villanova University field hockey team fell to No. 7-ranked Iowa, 2-0, on Sunday (Sept. 29) at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds. One of the Hawkeyes' goals was scored on an empty net late in the fourth quarter.
 
The two teams held each other scoreless throughout the entire first half. Villanova goalkeeper Maddi Sears saved a shot from Iowa's Alex Wesneski just two minutes into the game. The Wildcats denied another first-quarter opportunity by the Hawkeyes when Dionne van Aalsum's shot off a penalty corner was blocked by the Villanova back line.
 
With just under five minutes to play in the first quarter, fifth-year forward Sabine de Ruijter put a shot on goal, but the attempt was denied by Hawkeye goalie Mia Magnotta.
 
Iowa outshot Villanova 2-0 in the second quarter, but neither team could convert, leaving the game tied at zero at the half.
 
Early in the third quarter, Iowa midfielder Gia Whalen – a Paoli, Pa., native – knocked in a rebound goal to break the tie and give the Hawkeyes a one-goal lead.
 
With just over eight minutes left to play in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats earned a pair of penalty corner attempts. However, Gemma Lysaght's shot was blocked on the first attempt and Anne Drabbe's shot went wide on the second to keep Villanova scoreless.
 
At the 1:36 mark in the fourth quarter, Iowa scored a goal on an empty net to extend its lead to 2-0, which it held throughout the rest of the game.
 
Despite making three saves, Sears was credited with the loss and fell to 6-4 on the season, while Iowa goalie earned the win after making two saves.
 
"I'm really proud of our team today," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "Iowa is very strong, and I loved our press against them. A really solid performance to get us ready to play UConn."
 
The Wildcats will travel to face the 11th-ranked Huskies in Storrs, Conn., on Friday (Oct. 4) at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex. The game will begin at 1 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on FloSports.