Iona Holloway has played every minute of Syracuse’s three games this season.

Throughout SU’s season so far, Holloway’s focus has been constant. She often pushes the ball away from the attacking circle and then advances it downfield.

For 76 minutes against North Carolina, Holloway was relentless as the Orange held the No. 2 Tar Heels scoreless for one of the program’s biggest wins under SU head coach Ange Bradley.

“She was just awesome — I can’t even tell you how hard this kid has trained,” Bradley said after the game.

In a game that ended regulation with no score, the Orange’s defense was tested again and again. But Holloway and the Syracuse (3-0) defense shut down the UNC forwards long enough for freshman Emma Russell to find the back of the net in overtime for a 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Holloway was awarded Big East defensive player of the week honors for her performance. The Glasgow, Scotland, native also appeared on that list her sophomore year for efforts against Northwestern and Northeastern, and her junior year after wins against Louisville and Boston University.

Throughout Holloway’s career, the Orange defense has anchored Bradley’s successful program. And now, the senior is the unquestioned leader of the unit.

“It’s my fourth year, and as I’ve been here longer and longer, you just love the sport even more, you love the school even more,” Holloway said.

Clinching the victory on Saturday continued a 30-game home winning streak at J. Stanley Coyne Stadium. During that span, the team has dominated its opponents, outscoring them 59-7 in 11 games at home in 2011.

The last time SU lost at home came against Princeton on Sept. 6, 2009, when Holloway was a freshman.

Atop the Big East standings, Syracuse and Connecticut boast 3-0 records, both with players receiving individual accolades in the first two weeks of the season.

Holloway and four other seniors have contributed to SU’s strong start.

“They’ve been working so hard, this group of seniors,” Bradley said. “This is the first time in their tenure that they’ve been able to come and do something that they weren’t supposed to: beat a No. 2 in the country on our home turf.”

Holloway has displayed determination and dedication on and off the field, helping keep SU among the Big East’s elite and now pushing the program into the national spotlight with the signature victory.

From her Syracuse debut against New Hampshire three years ago to her contributions against UNC, Holloway has been a key cog in the SU defense.

And in her final season, she’s excited to help the Orange reach new heights while enjoying the team camaraderie.

“When I came here, I didn’t even know what a national championship was,” said Holloway. “I’ve just enjoyed my degree and I’m enjoying playing hockey with this team. It’s just one of those things, you come to America and you don’t really want to leave.”

Published on September 4, 2012 at 2:01 am

Contact Adelyn: albieden@syr.edu