Head coach Helen Knull stated that in order for the Spartans to reach the 16-team NCAA Tournament field, they likely will need to make an appearance in the finals.

The road to the finals starts against an Iowa team that beat them 1-0 more than a month ago, and the Spartans are braced for another close game with Iowa.

“It will still be low scoring, I know it will be a one-goal differential, especially in the Big Ten Tournament, where stakes are higher,” sophomore forward Abby Barker said.

Not only will the Spartans head into the contest with the NCAA Tournament on their minds, but they will also be looking to grab revenge against the Hawkeyes. When the team found out it was paired with Iowa in the first round, sophomore forward Allie Ahern was thrilled for the chance to turn the tables.

“We’re pumped (to play Iowa), because we lost to them 1-0,” Ahern said. “We’re just ready to get revenge, as well (as) with all the other Big Ten teams.”

In order to top the Hawkeyes, Knull said that the team will have to look out for Iowa’s freshman forward Natalie Cafone, who has scored four goals in her last four games. Senior goaltender Kathleen McGraw will also be an obstacle for the Spartans, as she leads the Big Ten in shutouts with five.

Spartans are looking to avenge three one-goal losses in the Big Ten by making a statement in the tournament. As any other game, the competition will be tight, but the Spartans are walking into the game with as much confidence as they had all season.

“Every Big Ten game we’ve played in the regular season was really close, apart from the Penn State game,” Barker said. “I think we’re in reach to beat any Big Ten team.”

The Spartans kick off the opening Big Ten Tournament game at noon on Thursday, in Iowa City, Iowa.