Energy Source

Aug. 18, 2012

Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Senior Dana Dalrymple knew it was important for the University of Iowa women’s soccer team to start the 2012 season with a focused, energetic effort against the Eastern Illinois Panthers. It only took her five minutes to make that happen.

Dalrymple found the back of the net in the fifth minute to score Iowa’s first goal in a 5-0 thrashing over the Panthers Friday night. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native started a dazzling run just over the midfield line, dribbling past multiple defenders before ripping a left-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box.

Dalrymple’s effort was a thing of beauty, but it was much simpler according to the Hawkeye midfielder.

“I just hit it to the far corner,” Dalrymple said. “I shot it, saw it go in and it was a great feeling.”

“She challenges for everything and goes after every ball. If we can get her hitting balls on target, like she did tonight, that would be awesome.”
UI head coach Ron Rainey

It wasn’t just Dalrymple’s goal that sparked the Hawkeyes to the season-opening victory. Her constant pressure down the right side forced Eastern Illinois defenders to spin in circles the entire night. It was hard to spot the ball without spotting a white No. 24 jersey somewhere in the vicinity.

“I think we started off really well and came out with a lot of energy,” Dalrymple said. “Getting those early goals really helped us get off to a good start.”

Head coach Ron Rainey thought Dalrymple’s efforts helped put the game away early for the Hawkeyes.

“Dana opened it up for us in the first half,” head coach Ron Rainey said. “She just kept running at their defenders over and over and got some good crosses off.”

Dalrymple’s energy level could be felt throughout the Iowa Soccer Complex. She attacked with purpose, tracked back to defend at a high level and led her team to the perfect start to the 2012 season.

“I’ve always tried to be an energetic player,” Dalrymple said. “I want to use my speed and be dangerous down the wing.”

Hundreds of fans could see that energy on display Friday night, but Rainey sees it every day in practice as well.

“Dana is a player that gives us a lot of energy on a daily basis,” Rainey said. “She works so hard and is one of our most consistent players. That was no different tonight in the first game.”

Dalrymple netted three goals as a sophomore and five goals last year as a junior. She has already opened her scoring account this season and Rainey hopes there are plenty more goals to come.

“She challenges for everything and goes after every ball,” Rainey said. “If we can get her hitting balls on target, like she did tonight, that would be awesome.”

Dalrymple’s goal is what’s highlighted in the box score, but her energy level was the most impressive. Little things like that don’t show up in a box score, but those things are what make Dalrymple such a dangerous player.