Iowa (D2) Sweeps Illinois (D2) in Dominant Fashion

Written by, Travis Hufford

Iowa took on Illinois at home over the weekend. They outscored Illinois 15-2 and came away with two wins.

11/8: On Friday, Iowa beat Illinois in convincing fashion, scoring 9 goals and beating Illinois 9-1.

In the first period, Iowa opened the scoring with 7:33 left in the period with a goal from Nathan Springberg, assisted by Ryan Carlson and Ethan Darby. Iowa struck again at 4:46 of the first period thanks to a goal from Mike Viola, assisted by Carter Jiran and Liam Cound. Iowa went to the intermission with a 2-goal lead over Illinois.

In the second period, Iowa extended their lead to 3 with a goal from Liam Cound with assists going to Mike Fontana and Spencer Lhotka. Illinois responded quickly with a goal to make it a     3-1 game heading to the second intermission.

In the third period, Iowa erupted for a 6-goal period. The scoring order was: Zach Lupori (assists: Jake Carlson, Zach Knudson), Jake Carlson (assists: Ryan Carlson, Zach Knudson), Zach Knudson (assists: Dean Dudzik, Carter Jiran), Jake Carlson, Mike Fontana (assists: Mike Viola, Dean Dudzik), Jake Vennetti (assist: Zach Knudson). Iowa outshot Illinois 21-8 in the third period and 55-20 through 3 periods.

Top Players of the Game

Zach Knudson: 1G, 3A, 4P

Jake Carlson: 2G, 1A, 3P

Ryan Iaciancio: 19sv, 1GA, .950sv%

11/9: On Saturday, Iowa found much of the same success they had in the previous game, completing the sweep with a 6-1 victory over Illinois.

In the first period, neither team found the back of the net which lead to the game being tied at zero to start the second period.

In the second period, Iowa opened the scoring with a goal from Zach Lupori, unassisted. Iowa increased their lead to two with a goal from Devin Decker, assisted by Spencer Lhotka and Liam Cound. Illinois interrupted the Iowa scoring to make the score 2-1, Iowa. Iowa struck two more times before the end of the period with goals from Jake Carlson (assisted by Ryan Carlson and Zach Lupori) and Mike Viola (assisted by Jake Vennetti). Iowa lead 4-1 heading into the second intermission.

In the third period, Iowa continued their scoring outburst with a goal from Dean Dudzik, assisted by Spencer Lhotka and Devin Decker. Brody Brenczewski capped off the scoring for Iowa with at goal at 4:27 of the third period; Mike Viola picked up the assist on the goal. The final score was 6-1 Iowa. Iowa outshot Illinois by a margin of 71-26.

Top Players of the Game

Jonathan Paunove: 25sv, 1GA, .962sv%

Devin Decker: 1G, 1A, 2P, GWG

Mike Viola: 1G, 1A, 2P