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Iowa Women's Basketball opens at #3 in the AP Poll

On3 imageby:Kyle Huesmann•10/17/23•

HuesmannKyle

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The Hawkeyes are top five in the preseason AP Poll. (Photo by Dennis Scheidt)

After making a run to the national title game last April, the Iowa women’s basketball team is looking to put together another magical season with National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark leading the way. The Hawkeyes defeated DePaul 94-72 in an exhibition game on Sunday afternoon at Kinnick Stadium. Today, the preseason AP Poll was released and Iowa will begin their season in the top ten for the third consecutive season.

The Hawkeyes come in at #3 in the preseason poll (780 points), behind #1 LSU (899) and #2 Connecticut (855). They also come in at #3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

Last season, the Hawkeyes opened the season at #4 in the AP Poll and went on to win a program record 31 games, including a trip to their second ever Final Four.

The Iowa women’s team returns three starters, including National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, who averaged 27.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists for a Hawkeye squad that advanced to the National Championship game. They also return starting guards Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, as well as Big Ten Sixth Player of they Year Hannah Stuelke.

Around the Big Ten, Ohio State is ranked 7th, Indiana is ranked 9th, Maryland is ranked 14th and Illinois is ranked 23rd. Nebraska was in the receiving votes section. Looking at some of the Hawkeyes non-conference opponents, Virginia Tech is ranked 8th, while potential Gulf Coast Showcase opponent North Carolina is ranked 16th. Kansas State and Iowa State both received votes in the poll.

The Iowa Women’s Basketball team is set to face Clarke University on October 22nd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The season opener is set for November 6th against Fairleigh Dickinson.

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