Title: Iowa Women’s Basketball Starts Season Strong with Smooth Win over FDU
Date: [Insert Date]
By Dargan Southard
IOWA CITY — The No. 3-ranked Iowa women’s basketball team wasted no time in showing their dominance in their season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), securing an impressive 102-46 victory at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Monday evening.
A minor clock malfunction and a referees’ timeout before the first possession did not deter Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes, who quickly brushed off the hiccups for the rest of the game.
Clark, putting on a stunning performance, racked up 28 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Her electric first quarter alone saw her tallying 17 points, as she effortlessly weaved through FDU’s defense, leaving little room for resistance. Her skills were on full display from the get-go, hitting deep shots and even converting a four-point play.
“Our transition game really early was good,” said Clark. “As a team, only seven turnovers on 28 assists is really good. That’s kind of what we pride ourselves on, lots of assists and low turnover numbers. Sometimes early in the year, those (turnover) numbers can be a little high.”
Hannah Stuelke and Sharon Goodman also played pivotal roles in Iowa’s commanding victory. Stuelke secured an impressive 22 points and nine rebounds on 9-for-10 shooting, while Goodman made her collegiate debut with a career-high 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting, marking a triumphant return after recovering from a torn ACL.
With their strong showing in the frontcourt, the Hawkeyes demonstrated their belief in their interior game, despite the departure of Monika Czinano during the offseason.
“I know it’s one game and everyone is worried about our inside game,” said Iowa coach Lisa Bluder. “But Hannah and Sharon had really good nights. I know the competition is going to get better, but it’s a good confidence boost for everybody.”
As the Hawkeyes now turn their attention to a challenging schedule in the upcoming month, Monday’s victory proved to be an instrumental warm-up for the team. Facing teams such as Virginia Tech, UNI, Kansas State, and Drake, Iowa is prepared for the demanding matchups that lie ahead.
“We have great teammates who continue to tell me to keep going,” said Goodman. “(Post) coach (Jan Jensen) always says, ‘You know your money shots.’ So just having confidence with that.”
Overall, Iowa’s debut showcased their exceptional talent and depth, highlighting their potential for an outstanding season ahead. The Hawkeyes are now gearing up for their next wave of opponents, with the confidence and momentum built from their dominant performance against FDU.
For more Iowa athletics coverage, follow Dargan Southard on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard or email him at [email protected].
Note: This article has been edited for clarity and length.