Iowa Associate Head Coach Jan Jensen says the team knew it would be a tough task to beat a talented South Carolina team.
Jensen says she and Coach Bluder realize how much this team has meant to the state of Iowa over the past several months.
Jensen says Clark deserves to be recognized as the greatest of all time.
Senior Gabbie Marshall played almost all 40 minutes, scoring six points and had a team-high three steals. She says Iowa being outrebounded 51-29 and giving up 30 second-chance points hurt the Hawkeyes.
Marshall says South Carolina showed how strong they are as they outscored Iowa 37-0 in points off the bench.
Marshall credits Kate Martin’s leadership for helping the Hawkeyes reach the championship game for a second straight year.
Hannah Stuelke (stul-key) finished with 11 points and says it was tough to battle South Carolina’s talent.
Stuelke says there’s no doubt in her mind – Caitlin Clark is the greatest of all time.
Stuelke says losing the rebounding battle hurt the Hawkeyes.
Sydney Affolter (uh-fall-ter) had 12 points and says it was a tough way to end a two-year run that culminated in national runner-up finishes.
Affolter says this team believed they had a chance to make a successful run at the start of the season.
Affolter says South Carolina responded well after Iowa’s 20-9 start to the game.
