Iowa guard Kathleen Doyle out with broken hand

Just days ahead of their season-opener, the Hawkeyes suffered a major blow at point guard.

Lily Smith

Iowa guard Kathleen Doyle drives to the hoop during the Iowa/Creighton NCAA tournament first round basketball game at Pauley Pavilion on UCLA’s campus in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 17, 2018. The Bluejays defeated the Hawkeyes, 76-70.

Pete Ruden, Sports Editor

Hawkeye guard Kathleen Doyle is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering fractures in the third and fourth metacarpals of her non-shooting left hand on Nov. 2.

Doyle was named a Preseason All-Big Ten selection shortly before the season-opener after averaging 11.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds a game last season, leading the conference with 7.5 dimes per game in Big Ten play.

The Hawkeyes, whom AP recently ranked No. 13, will be forced to rely heavily on Alexis Sevillian and Makenzie Meyer, a big threat from the 3-point line.

Tania Davis will also play a big role after being sidelined last year with an ACL tear.

Doyle’s injury means she will likely be out for the Hawkeyes’ battle against No. 1 Notre Dame on Nov. 29.

Iowa will open the season Nov. 6 against Dakota Wesleyan at 7 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye.