CLEMSON, S.C. — University of Iowa women’s soccer fell to Georgia, 3-2, on Friday in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Riggs Field. Iowa finished the season 13-5-4 overall and matched the deepest postseason run in program history.

The Hawkeyes and Bulldogs mostly went blow for blow, heading into halftime scoreless with three shots apiece. A six-minute stretch in the second half that saw three scores would prove most decisive.

The first goal came in the 60th minute courtesy of Georgia’s leading scorer, Nicole Vernis. The goal interrupted 418 consecutive scoreless minutes for the Hawkeye defense, which had allowed just one goal to that point during its postseason run.

Iowa answered in short order, with goalkeeper Macy Enneking taking a free kick from midfield in the 64th minute. Enneking heaved a deep ball near the Bulldog net, connecting with freshman defender Millie Greer on a header to equalize. The senior and the first year each recorded their first collegiate points on the sequence.

Two minutes later, the Bulldogs retook the lead, this time on a perfectly placed ball from Summer Dennigan that arced up and over Enneking’s reach.

Georgia scored on a transition sequence in the 85th minute to make the margin 3-1. With the Hawkeyes still fighting, freshman Eva Pattison delivered the ball to senior Kelli McGroarty in the 89th minute to set up the 3-2 final in Clemson.

McGroarty’s goal makes seven this season for the newcomer from La Salle, matching seventh-year Josie Durr for a team-best. Iowa finished with a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal while trailing the Bulldogs, 11-10, in total shots. Enneking finished the match with three saves.

The Second Round exit matches Iowa’s deepest postseason run, which came during the 2020-21 season. Both years, the Hawkeyes won the Big Ten Tournament Title and picked up victories in the NCAA Tournament First Round. Iowa moves to a 10-3 postseason record since the 2021 season.

HEAR FROM HEAD COACH DAVE DIIANNI

“Difficult game today for our Hawks. Left everything out on the field until the very end, but it just wasn’t enough to advance to the Sweet 16. Often throughout the season, there are moments that define who you are as a person. Despite the loss today, our team rose to the challenge each and every time that adversity struck. We grew as a team, and we grew as individuals together this year.

I want to thank our senior class for investing so much into this program and helping lift the standard even higher for those who return. We are better for this experience. The sadness will turn to commitment and passion to get better, and we will return to this level next year. I have no doubt about that.”

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

CLASS 2A
Van Meter 24, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock 21

CLASS 3A
Williamsburg 20, Bishop Heelan, Sioux City 0

CLASS 5A
Southeast Polk 49, Ankeny 21

The Atlantic Trojan Girls Basketball team lost handily 70 to 43 against the Pella Dutch in their season opener.

The Trojans started the game behind with a 5-0 Dutch run and Pella led 17-12 at the end of the first. Pella continued their run in the second quarter to lead at halftime 33-18. The game turned in full favor of the Dutch early in the third quarter scoring 28 points and using Kennedy Van Vark’s momentum. Van Ark would score 26 points on the night and combined with the Trojans turnover troubles the Pella lead would be insurmountable. The fourth quarter would stay close with Pella only scoring 9 and Atlantic 8.

The Trojans got some of the looks they wanted throughout the night but just couldn’t avoid getting the ball stolen. Atlantic was helped by Junior Maddie Richter and 15 points with 8 coming from the third quarter. Even with Richter’s help, there was just too many mistakes by Atlantic. Trojan’s Head Coach Dan Vargason commented on the errors by Atlantic.

Iowa State tries to stay in the Big 12 title hunt by closing the home slate against seventh ranked Texas. The Longhorns lead the conference race with a record of 6-1.

That’s ISU coach Matt Campbell who says the Longhorns are solid in all phases.

The Cyclones are part of a four way tie for second in the Big 12 and hope to send a small group of seniors out with a win in their final home game.

It’s a seven o’clock kickoff in Ames. It will be televised by FOX.

An injury plagued season wll include a trip to the Big Ten championship game if the Iowa Hawkeyes can beat Illinois in their home finale. The Hawks are on the door step of the west division title but will be without their best player. Cooper DeJean suffered a season ending leg injury in practice this week and it is the latest hurdle they must clear.

That’s Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz who says the players have remained focused despite all the adversity.

It will be an emotional day for 20 Hawkeye seniors who play their final game in Kinnick Stadium.

It is a 2:30 kickoff in Kinnick Stadium. It will be televised by Fox Sports One.

Kansas State outscored the second ranked Iowa women 12-0 to close the game and beat the Hawkeyes 65-58 in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes did not score in the final two minutes and 43 seconds as they fall to 3-1.

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder. The Hawkeyes shot just 36 percent, including two-of-21 from three point range.

Iowa hosts Drake Sunday night.

The Iowa men return to action Friday night at home against Arkansas State. The Hawkeyes are coming off a 92-84 loss at eighth ranked Creighton and coach Fran McCaffery says his team learned a valuable lesson at the start of the second half.

McCaffery was pleased with the performance of the four freshmen who are expected to play key roles this season.

Thursday Nov. 16th Football State Championship Scores:

EIGHT-PLAYER

Bishop Garrigan, Algona 39, Bedford 30

CLASS A

West Hancock 30, Woodbury Central 28

CLASS 1A

Grundy Center 42, MFL MarMac 0

CLASS 4A

Lewis Central 40, Western Dubuque 21

The Exira-EHK Spartans are preparing for another basketball season with their new Head Coach and alumnus Tony Santisteban. The Spartans played sharp basketball a season ago going 19-5 and made it to the 1A-8 Semifinal before being knocked out by West Harrison 71-52. Exira-EHK’s offense was fast paced last year averaging 66 points per game and accurate from anywhere on the court going 52 percent on their field goals. One fact of the 2023 Spartan Squad that Coach Santisteban is counting on to keep his team in the top of the Rolling Valley Conference is his senior heavy team and the leadership that brings.

A few members of the senior heavy class that contributed well last year were Cash Emgarten and Aiden Flathers. Emgarten started all 24 games last year and averaged 15.2 points per game. Flathers also had an offensive averaging 11.3 points per game and over 74 assists. Both have impressed Coach Santisteban with their work effort in the offseason.

To help his team improve and go further into the postseason. Coach Santisteban is teaching his players the ability of communication. How it will not only upgrade the team on the floor but also in their personal lives.

Exira-EHK basketball has had a rich history of basketball success, with Coach Santisteban playing a personal part in it.  To continue the success and tenacity of Spartan basketball Coach Santisteban knows playing physical and hard will make all the difference.

Exira-EHK starts their basketball season on Tuesday November 28th on the road against Woodbine. Tipoff is set for 7:30pm.

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