SPRINGFIELD – No. 11 Iowa handed Missouri State a 5-0 defeat on Sunday afternoon at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium, behind a four-goal performance from Kelli McGroarty that lifted the Hawkeyes to 5-1-1.

McGroarty struck twice late in the first half, helping Iowa build a 3-0 advantage by the break after Liana Tarasco opened the scoring in just the second minute. The senior forward added two more in the second half, while Iowa capitalized on set pieces and consistent pressure, finishing with a 17-6 shot advantage and an 8-4 margin in corners.

Missouri State found openings in the attack with Reilly Heman and Julia Kristensen putting shots on goal. Goalkeepers Ella Becker and Victoria Spahn combined for three saves in the  rematch of last season's NCAA First Round game won 2-1 by the Hawkeyes in Iowa City.

"This game and entire week that we had is what this program is all about, we play big-time teams consistently," said head coach Kirk Nelson. "Today was a true test against a national championship contender and we got that experience and grew from the matchup. We battled the full 90 minutes in front of our amazing home crowd."

Up next, the Bears (2-5-1) begin a four-match road stretch, starting with their final non-conference contest at Central Arkansas on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:00 p.m. Missouri State then opens Conference USA play at Liberty on Friday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m., followed by trips to Jacksonville State on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6:00 p.m. and Kennesaw State on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 11:00 a.m.