After a terrific close to last season in the Hawkeyes’ run back to the national championship game, senior guard Sydney Affolter was sidelined throughout camp as she had a cleanup procedure on her knee.

Coach Jensen said Affolter was ahead of schedule in her rehab last week and that she could see minutes in the season opener. Ultimately, Affolter didn’t play in the Hawkeyes’ 91-73 win over Northern Illinois to open the season.

Affolter saw 24 minutes of floor time against the Hokies, though. It’s natural, but Affolter didn’t look look all the way back to her normal self. Still, the 5-foot-11 guard did knock down a 3-pointer, grabbed six rebounds and had three assists.

That’s tremendous news for Iowa. This team will only get better and more explosive once Affolter rounds into full form.