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The Iowa Hawkeyes rise to the top of the field hockey poll

September 22, 2023
One month into fockey season and the Iowa Hawkeyes, the new Midwestern superpower, have risen to top the poll — and just about every other stat line, too.
CollegeField Hockey
The Iowa Hawkeyes rise to the top of the field hockey poll
SOURCE: IOWAFIELDHOCKEY/X

The GIST: One month into fockey season and the Iowa Hawkeyes, the new Midwestern superpower, have risen to top the poll — and just about every other stat line, too.

  • Even more intriguing? Their star player is a true freshman (meaning she’s never redshirted). Step aside, Erin Matson — there’s a new GOAT in the making.

How they did it: Though always contenders, the Hawkeyes have lacked the extra oomph needed to dominate the cutthroat Big Ten lately (see: 2022’s mediocre conference record). But when then–No. 7 Iowa clocked massive wins over then–No. 12 Wake Forest and then–No. 1 UNC to open this season, they leapt to the top rank and haven’t blinked since.

Their not-so-secret weapon: In addition to returning seven starters, the real game-changer has been midfielder Dionne van Aalsum. The Dutch freshman has taken the NCAA by storm, racking up multiple goals in every game to reach a nation-leading total of 21. With awards rolling in left and right, the 18-year-old is giving prodigy.

What’s next: Iowa opens conference play with a visit to a flailing No. 14 Michigan squad tonight at 6 p.m. ET. Is this finally the Hawkeyes’ year to top the Big Ten?

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