In Photos: Iowa star Sydney Affolter shows off snippets from romantic weekend getaway after sensational March Madness run

Iowa guard Sydney Affolter was one of the few Hawkeyes players in the championship game against South Carolina Gamecocks, contributing 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, despite the team's loss.

She stepped up for Iowa in the absence of starting point guard Molly Davis, who was ruled out with a knee injury before March Madness began.

After her sensational tournament, Affolter shared glimpses of her romantic getaway on Instagram with her boyfriend, Brennen Dorighi, captain of the Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team, captioning the post with 'Best weekend,' captioning it:

"Best weekend."

Sydney Affolter: The Chicago Tough

For most of the season, Sydney Affolter was a bench option until starting point guard Molly Davis injured her knee and suddenly, she was thrust into the starting lineup for the Big Ten tournament.

The Hawkeyes did not falter and took it up a notch instead and reached the national championship game.

The Hawkeyes associate head coach Jan Jensen was full of praise for Affolter's contribution to the team during the Big Dance.

“What I love about Syd is her mindset,” Iowa associate head coach Jan Jensen said. “When you’ve had a kid like that on the bench, then sadly when you lose some depth she’s like, ‘I got you. I’ve been ready. I told you, I’m ready. I’m really ready.’ … Whatever you need me to do. I’m gonna do that some more and then some.’ That’s how confident I am in Syd. She’s big-time.”

Sydney Affolter's renowned aggression, combined with Caitlin Clark's creativity and shooting skills, as well as captain Kate Martin's ability to make shots and lead, contributed to the Iowa Hawkeyes' comprehensive skill set.

Affolter's tenacity on the court has led to her being nicknamed 'the Chicago tough' for where she grew up and her style of play.

After the Hawkeyes made the 2024 NCAA tournament Final Four, she addressed her toughness.

“I think people are just trying to fit that narrative,” Affolter said. “I did grow up with an older brother, and I think that’s where a lot of my toughness comes from. I played with the boys growing up before I could play with the girls. So just having an older brother to beat up on me a little bit has made me tough.”

Sydney Affolter had several iconic moments during the Hawkeyes' run to the championship game but the most stark was during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the second round.

After Gabbie Marshall grabbed a rebound, Affolter dribbled full court, ignored Caitlin Clark asking for the ball, scored a floater and drew a foul, which broke the game that was tied 52-52.