Iowa Sweeps San Diego State

Written by, Travis Hufford

After a break for the holidays, the Hawks traveled to San Diego, CA to take on San Diego State University.

1/10: On Friday, the Hawkeyes came away with an 8-6 win in a high scoring game.

In the first period, the Hawks took an early lead with a goal from Jake Carlson, just one minute and eleven seconds into the game. Ethan Welch picked up the assist on Carlson’s early goal. SDSU tied the game at 1 at 12:58 of the period. Iowa retook the lead with a goal from Brody Brenczewski with Matt Wilson and Spencer Lhotka picking up the assists. Iowa took a 3-1 lead with 1:10 left in the first period. The goal came on the powerplay from Jake Carlson, assisted by Matt Wilson and Zach Knudson. After 20 minutes of play the Hawkeyes had a 3-1 lead.

In the second period, the Hawks and SDSU traded blows on the scoreboard. Iowa struck first to take a 4-1 lead. The goal was scored by Dean Dudzik with Billy Jeffers and Matt Wilson picking up the assists. SDSU retaliated with 2 goals to make it 4-3 before Iowa scored again. Iowa made it a 5-3 game with a powerplay goal from Jake Vennetti, assisted by Kevin Horan. SDSU scored again to make it a 5-4 game before Mike Viola pushed the lead to 2 with 30 seconds remaining in the period. Viola’s goal was assisted by Matt Wilson and Zach Lupori. The score was 6-4 in favor of Iowa after 2 periods of play.

In the third period, SDSU scored first to cut Iowa’s lead to just one goal. Iowa struck next to make it 7-5 with a goal from Spencer Lhotka, assisted by Zach Lupori. SDSU scored again to make it a 7-6 nail biter late in the third period. Iowa hunkered down and closed out the game with a powerplay goal from Billy Jeffers. Nathan Springberg picked up the lone assist on the goal. The final score was 8-6. Iowa outshot San Diego State by a margin of 50-32. Iowa converted on 3/7 of their powerplay opportunities for a percentage of 42.9%.

Top Players of the Game

Matt Wilson: 0G, 4A, 4P, 3 primary assists

Jake Carlson: 2G, 0A, 2P

Spencer Lhotka: 1G, 1A, 2P, GWG

1/11: On Saturday, Iowa dominated San Diego State in a 6-0 win to complete the sweep.

In the first period, Iowa’s powerplay stayed hot. Iowa’s first goal came on the powerplay from Zach Knudson, assisted by Zach Lupori and Matt Wilson. Iowa pushed their lead to 2 with a goal from Zach Lupori with Ryan Carlson and Ethan Darby picking up the helpers. After 20 minutes, Iowa held a 2-0 lead.

In the second period, Jake Vennetti scored the lone goal. Billy Jeffers and Zach Knudson picked up the assists. After two periods of play, the Hawks had a 3-0 lead.

In the third period, Iowa’s powerplay shined again with two more powerplay goals. The first goal of the period was an even strength goal from Kevin Horan, assisted by Nathan Springberg and Jake Vennetti. Iowa’s fifth and sixth goals came on the powerplay. The first was scored by Devin Decker, assisted by Nick Norby and Kevin Horan. The next powerplay goal was came from Jake Carlson with Kevin Horan and Zack Knudson picking up the assists.

The final score was 6-0, Iowa. Iowa outshot San Diego State 55-30. Iowa capitalized on 3/4 of their powerplay opportunities.

Top Players of the Game

Ryan Iaciancio: 30sv, 1.000sv%, SO

Kevin Horan: 1G, 2A, 3P

Zach Knudson: 1G, 2A, 3P