Monmouth University Field Hockey Upsets No. 12 Iowa in Shootout, Highest Ranked Win in Program History
Senior midfielder Sofia Fouces capped a wild shootout with a goal in the ninth frame to lead the Monmouth University Field Hockey team to a 2-1 win over No. 12 Iowa on Sunday afternoon, securing the biggest win in program history.
The victory over the Hawkeyes is not only the highest-ranked team the Hawks have ever beaten, but it marks the first time Monmouth has defeated a Big Ten opponent since September 24, 2017 – a 2-1 home win versus Indiana in overtime.
Monmouth struck first late in the opening period when Milla Frye netted her sixth goal of the season at the 14:15 mark, assisted by Jess Tucker. The Hawks carried their 1-0 lead into the second quarter, but Iowa responded quickly to tie the game at one.
Both teams exchanged chances throughout regulation and two overtime periods, with Monmouth outshooting Iowa 15-14 and creating multiple opportunities off penalty corners. Goalkeeper Charlie Bowman had a standout performance in just her second career start, recording six saves to keep the Hawks in the game, including critical stops during Iowa’s sustained pressure in overtime.
Despite a scoreless overtime period, Monmouth’s resilience shone in the shootout. Frye (twice), Tucker, and Fouces converted their penalty stroke attempts, while Bowman’s stellar play in goal thwarted several Iowa attempts. Fouces’s composure under pressure earned Monmouth the game-winning stroke, clinching the shootout after a tense back-and-forth battle.
“This was all the girls deciding today to challenge themselves to be true to each other and our values,” Monmouth Head Coach Carli Figlio said. “The team believed and played the way we knew they could. It was an incredible showing against a very good Iowa team.
“We are so proud of the commitment, heart, hustle, and execution we saw today. A lot of credit to Charlie coming in today and playing so well. Top to bottom, each and every person on our roster made a difference today.”
Tucker led the Hawks offensively with four shots on goal, while Fouces contributed three shots, two on target.
FINAL SCORE – MU WINS SHOOTOUT, 4-3
Monmouth (8-5) – 2
#12 Iowa (6-6) – 1
NOTES & NUMBERS
– It’s the highest-ranked opponent Monmouth has ever beaten.
– Bowman picks up her first career victory in net.
– Frye has six goals on the season.
– Monmouth had more shots on goal, 9-7.
– Indiana had more corners, 5-4.
– The all-time series is tied at one apiece.
The Hawks return home to So Sweet A Cat Field to play Towson in a CAA matchup on Friday, Oct. 18. The game will be broadcast live on FloSports at 3 p.m.
