The loss drops the Hawkeyes to 4-8 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, the Spartans improved their overall and Big Ten records to 12-3 and 3-0, respectively.

All three Michigan State goals came in the first half. Adelle Lever tallied the first Spartan goal, coming on a deflection off a penalty corner at the 26:40 mark.

Floor Rijpma scored her 13th goal of the season less than three minutes later to extend Michigan State’s lead to 2-0.

The game’s final goal came just eight seconds before halftime, once again scored by Lever on a deflection. Manouk Vernij was credited with the assist.

Michigan State out-shot Iowa, 15-1, with Hawkeye senior Tricia Dean recording the team’s lone attempt at the goal. Iowa freshman goalkeeper Kathleen McGraw made six saves, tying her season-high.

Iowa returns to Grant Field for a Big Ten match-up against Penn State (5-9, 1-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m.

— by Jordan Garretson