ABOUT COE ...
The Kohawks opened Iowa Conference play in fantastic fashion with a win over conference preseason favorite Simpson College. The Kohawks are looking to extend their four game win streak by slowing the Duhawks' offense on Saturday.

With the loss of All-Conference guard Mackenzie Reed as well as co-defensive player of the year, Hannah Breitbach, the Kohawks have found a balance between experience and youth.

Top returner senior Megan Hayes has been a dynamic piece for Coe this season. She leads the team in field goals made (55) as well as blocks (28). Sophomore Courteney McCrary played a large offensive role in the Kohawks upset over Simpson, scoring 20 points, showing she can provide a spark off the bench.

BLOCK PARTY ON TAP FOR SATURDAY …
Saturday's matchup with the Kohawks will feature the conference's two best shot blockers; Coe's Megan Hayes and Loras sophomore Lori Obendorf. Coming into the game, Obendorf averages a conference-best 2.67 blocks per game while Hayes comes in just behind her (2.33 blocks per game). While these two lead the way individually, the Duhawks and Kohawks rank atop the conference in the category as a team. Coe leads the league with 5.17 blocks per game while Loras averages 3.42.

OBENDORF LEADS LEAGUE ON GLASS …
Sophomore Lori Obendorf has shown her ability to be leader on the glass for the Duhawks. Loras' starting center leads the Iowa Conference in rebounding, pulling down 11.7 boards per game, nearly four more than the next closest player. The only player in the conference averaging double digits in rebounding, Obendorf's stellar sophomore campaign has been highlighted by captivating performance at St. Ambrose. The Naperville, Illinois native fueled the Duhawks to the win over the ranked Fighting Bees, scoring 13 points and grabbing a season-high 19 rebounds.

DUHAWKS CASHING IN FROM CHARITY STRIPE …
Coming into Saturday afternoon's matchup, the Duhawks boast the leagues best free throw percentage (73.9). Led by sophomore Kathleen Cabrera's 93.8 percent, the Loras' ability to close out games from the free throw line could prove pivotal for them down the stretch. A bonus for the Duhawks is the ability of the bench to knock down the pressure free throws. Sophomores Erin Weaver, Emma Bradford, and Naomi Phillips combined with freshmen Megan Jones and Miranda Chapman have added to the Duhawks success. The stout bench has combined to shoot 92.5 percent form the line (37 of 40).

BATTLING BACK: JONES MAKES DUHAWK DEBUT …
Freshman Megan Jones made her Loras debut on Wednesday, December 31 in the Duhawks battle with Wheaton College. Numerous injuries have left Jones on the sidelines the past few seasons, delaying her highly anticipated appearance. In four minutes of action, Jones hit a three-pointer late for her first career bucket.

LORAS OPENS CONFERENCE PLAY WITH WIN …
The Duhawks welcomed Buena Vista to the Athletic & Wellness Center on Wednesday as the teams opened conference play. Senior Carly Goede fueled the Duhawks hot start, scoring 12 of her 15 points in the opening half. While Goede led the offensive effort, it was Loras' defense that kept the Beavers at bay. As Buena Vista struggled from the field, shooting just 36.6 percent, Loras carried a 41-30 lead into the break. In the second half, freshmen Megan Jones and Miranda Chapman helped the Duhawks surivive a comeback attempt, junior Kaitlin Phillips closed out the game to give Loras the 83-73 win.