Even in the post-Caitlin Clark era, the Iowa Hawkeyes are unstoppable. With an 8-0 start to the season, they’ve remained undefeated. At the forefront of this success has been Lucy Olsen, a transfer from Villanova, leading the charge with high scores in 3 out of 6 games she played. But, in the past two matchups, the guard was noticeably absent. So, what happened?

During practice at the Cancun Challenge, the 21-year-old experienced a freak accident. While stepping off the raised playing surface, she tripped and landed on the sharp edge of the court, resulting in a severe gash across her kneecap. Fortunately, Iowa’s medical staff worked quickly to address the injury.

According to Olsen’s father, Roland Olsen, they stitched her up right there on the court under the improvised lighting of cellphones. It was a moment that could’ve derailed not just the Cancun Challenge but potentially Iowa’s season.

Coach Jan Jensen recounted the incident: “We were just getting ready for practice, and she just kind of tripped, came off the floor and hit a ledge. She had a pretty significant gash on her knee.” While the situation seemed dire at first, the quick action of the team’s medical staff turned things around.

Her father took to X to provide an update, mixing humor with relief. “It’s just a flesh wound,” he joked while detailing the severity of the injury. “It split open the skin across her kneecap and required a ton of stitches to close it back up.” 

He acknowledged his daughter’s frustration but assured everyone that she’s expected to return soon, potentially in time for Iowa’s next game in Brooklyn. He even thanks Iowa’s team doctors, coaches, and Lucy’s teammates for their support. “Everyone came together to support Lucy this week,” he wrote.

It seemed like the Hawkeyes would face difficulties without Olsen, who is averaging 17.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Undoubtedly, there was a void, but the team still came out with flying colors. 

Iowa clinches both games despite Lucy Olsen’s absence

In their first game without their star guard, the Hawkeyes faced Rhode Island in a gritty contest. After three tough quarters, the Hawkeyes surged ahead in the fourth, thanks to Addison O’Grady’s stellar 18-point performance. Hannah Stuelke added 16 points and 8 rebounds, securing a 69-62 victory.

The momentum carried into their next game against BYU, where Iowa found their rhythm in the second half. Stuelke led the charge with 16 points, while O’Grady continued her hot streak with 12 points and two crucial 3-pointers during a third-quarter run. Sydney Affolter’s defensive prowess, highlighted by ten rebounds and five steals, sealed the 68-48 win.

 The team proved that it is not a one-man army. It’s amazing to see them prove that the future of Iowa is in safe hands and that they are carrying forward Clark’s legacy, who elevated the program’s status. Now, with Lucy expected back in Brooklyn next Saturday, we have plenty to look forward to.