CANCUN, Mexico — Addison O’Grady delivered a standout performance with 18 points, while Hannah Stuelke contributed 13, leading No. 22 Iowa to a 69-62 victory over Rhode Island in the Cancun Challenge on Thursday evening.

O’Grady has been impressive, scoring in double digits in six games this season, a notable improvement from just two such performances in the last two seasons. She showcased her efficiency by shooting 8 of 9 from the field, contributing to Iowa’s overall shooting percentage of 52%.

The Hawkeyes were missing their top scorer, Lucy Olsen, who was sidelined due to a significant cut on her knee incurred during practice. Olsen has been averaging 17.3 points across her first six games.

Iowa is enjoying its best start since the 2017-18 season when Lisa Bluder’s team commenced with a 7-0 record. Jan Jensen, who stepped in as Iowa’s fifth head coach on May 13, 2024, has achieved a 7-0 start, becoming only the second coach in program history to do so, a feat previously accomplished by Angie Lee’s 1995-96 team.

Kylie Feuerbach also made a solid contribution, adding 12 points for Iowa.

On the other side, Harsimran Kaur led Rhode Island with 21 points, while Ines Debroise, part of a five-member French contingent on the Rams’ roster, scored 12 points.

Looking ahead, Iowa is set to face BYU on Friday, while Rhode Island will take on Idaho State.