The Kent State field hockey team (4-3) suffered a 2-0 loss at home against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1). The 19th-ranked Hawkeyes won eight of the last nine meetings between the two programs. 

Kent State is fully aware of the adversity that they have faced to start the season playing three top 20 ranked teams — Penn State, University of Stanford and Iowa.

“We try to play a top non conference schedule and it really prepares us for MAC play,” said head coach Kathleen Wiler. “MAC play is always a dogfight every match in and out and we’re just preparing ourselves for that.”

The Flashes played a strong defensive first half, holding the Hawkeyes scoreless on three shots. Offensively, the Flashes had a tough time getting things going.

 A goal would not come for either team until 43 minutes into the game, when Iowa sophomore Makenna Grewe would sneak one by senior goalkeeper Andrea Rinehart.

The Flashes would play a hard fought second half, taking eight shots and just barely coming up short on each one. 

Freshman Alison Harmatz became a key contender for Kent State, taking four shots on the day. The final score of the day came from Iowa sophomore Isabella Solaroli, assisted by redshirt senior Natalie Cafone.

Coming off of back-to-back losses did not seem to phase Wiler, as she seemed pleased with what she’d learned about her team after playing against two tough opponents.

“We dealt with some adversity and didn’t get to put the performance out that we wanted to on Friday, but today was much better,” Wiler said.

Wiles said she was pleased to see her team make improvements over the weekend, and remains optimistic going into next week’s game against Northwestern —yet another top 20-ranked team.

The Flashes get a week off to prepare for their matchup on Sunday at Murphy-Mellis Field. The game will start a noon.

Brandon Busby is a sports reporter, contact him at [email protected].