IOWAFIELD HOCKEY
2 0 12 S E A S O N P R E V I E W
MIDFIELDERS Iowa will have a versatile midfield in 2012 that will enter the season with high expectations. The group mixes experience and youth, as it includes a senior, two sophomores and a freshman.
“They both have a year of invaluable experience to bring to the team this year,” said Griesbaum. “Their added strength and skill development will be much needed this season.” Hemeon returns to Iowa City after a summer of national competition. The Gilroy, Calif., native competed on the 2012 California Senior High Performance team and was named to the 2012-13 USA U21 Junior National Squad and the 2012 Nation Team Development Squad. Hemeon saw action in 17 games for the Hawkeyes in 2011, making two starts. She tallied a goal and an assist. Gitt competed in three contests during her freshman season, and was named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad. Freshman Isabella Liciardello will be counted on to log major minutes for the Hawkeyes. Liciardello competed at the high school level since the seventh grade, ending her high school career with 75 goals and 67 assists. “Bella is very versatile, but I see her adding the most to our midfield,” said Griesbaum. Greisbaum will use forward Sarah Drake and back Jessica Barnett at the midfield position when needed. “Jessica and Sarah may get some minutes in the midfield as their secondary position,” said Griesbaum. “JB and Drake would add physicality and an ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.”
SOPHOMORE
SENIOR
DANI HEMEON
GEENA LESIAK
“Geena has the ability to play anywhere on the field, but midfield would be an ideal spot for her,” said Griesbaum. “Geena has a very good all-around game. Her fundamental skills and tactical knowledge will be needed as a threeyear starter.” Sophomores Dani Hemeon and Brynn Gitt will look for expanded roles after seeing limited action as freshmen in 2011.
SOPHOMORE
Geena Lesiak will be Iowa’s most experienced midfielder in 2012. Lesiak has stated 54-of-56 games during her first three years in the Hawkeye program. The senior from Vorhees, N.J., ranked second on the team with five assists in 2011. Lesiak, who was an Academic All-Big Ten selection as a junior for the second time in her career, joined four of her teammates (Coleman, Drake, Kathleen McGraw, Danielle Peirson) on the Midwest High Performance team this summer.
BRYNN GITT
“We will have options, something we did not have much of last year,” said Griesbaum. “The midfield will have to be ready to dominate in key match-ups with our opponents. They will be asked to control the pace of the game and will be vital to how we attack and defend as a team.”
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