Van Aalsum’s 4-Goal Performance Lifts No. 15 Iowa Past Kent State

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Dionne van Aalsum continued her torrid scoring pace with four goals, leading No. 15 Iowa to a 4-1 victory over Kent State on Friday afternoon at Grant Field.

“Kent State is a really good side,” said head coach Lisa Cellucci. “I think for us as a coaching staff, and where I was frustrated a little bit was our defensive transition. We made it much harder for ourselves than we needed to, and it really came down to just us collectively being able to defend better together. We gave them too many big moments, and that was unnecessary. But it was, I mean, an unbelievable way to get four goals on the board and, you know, could have been a fifth there. I think if we can just continue to build possession and play two-touch hockey, we're going to be really dangerous going forward.”

Van Aalsum netted two goals in the second quarter and added two more in the second half, bringing her season total to seven. The Netherlands native opened the scoring in the 16th minute off a feed from Fréderique van Cleef and struck again less than a minute later with an unassisted tally.

“If you look at the first two, everyone plays a role on that in the field,” van Aalsum said. “They all have actions going forward, and then yes, I am there to score the goal, but it is a team goal. I think the effort was there from everybody and the energy to move up, move the ball well and get those opportunities. Then the last two, both corners created by teammates, and they did the same thing, moved the ball around, so I would say a lot of team effort today.”

Kent State (1-2) responded in the third quarter with a goal from Emma Rolston, but Iowa regained control when van Aalsum completed her hat trick in the 43rd minute, assisted by Felicia Zonnenberg. The duo connected again in the final minutes to seal the win.

Zonnenberg finished with two assists and one shot on goal, while van Cleef added an assist and three shots. Iowa outshot Kent State 17-6 and held a 6-2 advantage in penalty corners.

Goalkeeper Mia Magnotta made three saves for the Hawkeyes, earning her second win of the season. Kent State split time between Allison Wood and Floortje Van Eijden in goal, combining for eight saves.

Iowa (2-1) returns to action Sunday against Queens at 1 p.m. at Grant Field.