A Turnaround in the Making
The Hawkeyes entered the 2026 season with a 14‑6 record but had been eliminated in the first round of the national tournament, leaving head coach Lisa Cellucci disappointed yet hopeful about the squad’s potential.
A dramatic overtime thriller against 11th‑ranked Wake Forest on August 28 showcased the team’s resilience. Reine Van Hoof struck the decisive goal, delivering Iowa’s first win of the campaign and underscoring the depth of their attacking options.
Just two days later, Iowa traveled to face second‑ranked North Carolina on their home turf. Back‑to‑back goals from Frederique van Cleef and Rachel Herbine flipped a 2‑1 deficit into a stunning upset, cementing the team’s early‑season momentum.
Coach Cellucci praised the early‑season road victories, noting that the squad’s ability to perform under pressure bodes well for the weeks ahead. The wins have lifted confidence and positioned the team as a contender in the coming matches.
Looking forward, Iowa will open its home schedule against Lehigh before meeting Ball State later in the week. Both games present opportunities to build on the recent successes and maintain the upward trajectory set by the coaching staff.