Hawkeye Hockey Downs Wildcats, Wins Third Big Ten Championship

Hawkeyes Defeat Wildcats 3-0, Capture Third Consecutive Big Ten Title

Iowa City, Iowa - The Iowa Hawkeyes field hockey team captured their third consecutive Big Ten Championship on Sunday, defeating the Northwestern Wildcats 3-0 at Grant Field in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes, who entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting the Wildcats 17-5 and earning nine penalty corners to Northwestern's three.

Iowa opened the scoring in the first half when senior forward Maddy Murphy deflected a shot from junior midfielder Grace McGuire past Wildcats goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz. The Hawkeyes extended their lead in the second half when sophomore forward Sara Watrobia scored off an assist from junior defender Josie Broghammer.

Iowa put the game away in the fourth quarter when senior midfielder Esme Gibson scored her fifth goal of the season, assisted by Broghammer. The Hawkeyes' defense was stifling throughout the game, limiting the Wildcats to just one shot on goal in the second half.

The Big Ten Championship is the Hawkeyes' third in a row and their fifth overall. Iowa is now 17-4 on the season and has won their last six games.

The Hawkeyes will now await their NCAA Tournament seeding, which will be announced on Monday. Iowa is expected to be a top-four seed and will likely host first- and second-round games at Grant Field.

**Quotables**

"This is an incredible feeling," said Iowa head coach Lisa Cellucci. "Our team has worked so hard all season, and to win the Big Ten Championship is a testament to their dedication and hard work."

"We knew that Northwestern was a tough opponent, but we were confident that we could win," said Murphy. "We played our game, and we were able to come away with the victory."

"This is a special group of players," said Broghammer. "We're all so close, and we've worked so hard together. To win the Big Ten Championship is a dream come true."