DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - Following their first round victory over the University of Dubuque, Loras advanced to the Iowa Conference Tournament Semifinal to face Coe.
SCOUTING THE KOHAWKS •••Coe has enjoyed a revolutionary changeover to their women's program in the 2015 season. At 15-1-2, the Kohawks finished second in the Iowa Conference and earned a first-round bye in the tournament. Entering Wednesday's match, Coe is undefeated from the confines of home, sporting a 7-0-1 record. Their lone defeat on the year came at the hands of Luther by way of a 2-nil setback. Five players on the Kohawk roster have scored five or more goals, with Kelsey Fauser leading the charge with seven, including three game-winners. MJ Winterer has enjoyed a stellar campaign, which includes a 0.65 goals against average and six clean sheets.
LAST TIME OUT AGAINST COE •••The Kohawks were the last time to defeat Loras, going back to a Wednesday night matchup on Oct. 14.
Katie Truesdale opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but Coe's offense kicked into high gear in the second half, scoring twice within a four-minute period to top the Duhawks, 3-1.
ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST COE •••With the regular season victory, Coe earned their fifth victory against Loras in program history. The Duhawks own the all-time series advantage at 15-5-1. The win for Coe was their first over Loras since the 1999 season.
BREAKING DOWN THE WIN STREAK •••The Duhawks are on the rise late in the 2015 season. Despite a mid-season slump, the team has yet to drop a match in their last five contests. In these five games, the Duhawks have scored 15 goals and freshman goalkeeper
Michelle Loyo has only conceded three. An even-spread offense has been the difference maker. In the last five games, nine Duhawks have found the back of the net. Loras' last defeat came at the hands of Coe on Oct. 14.
LED BY LOYO •••The 2015 Loras College women's soccer team, coming off a win versus Dubuque in the first round of the Iowa Conference tournament, is rounding into form at just the right time for Head Coach
Dan Rothert. The Duhawks' recent success, of which they have won five straight, can be attributed partly to the strong goalkeeping of freshman
Michelle Loyo. Loyo is 5-1-1 in her starts this season, which includes two shutouts, and she has posted a 1.04 GAA in eight total matches. The St. Ignatius product's aggressive play and an improved Duhawk defense has given Loras new sense of confidence that they were lacking in the middle portion of the season.
RISPIN RISING ABOVE •••Since the return of Senior
Ailish Rispin on Oct. 17, the Duhawks have won five straight games. Rispin is a key forward for Loras' team due to her speed up top and ability to put opposing backs on their heels. A former starter for the Duhawks, Rispin's return to the squad has included two goals in her first five contests.
RED-HOT OFFENSE •••Loras leads the Iowa Conference in points, goals and assists with Coe trailing in second place. The Duhawks must outpace and defend the conference's second-best offense to come up with a victory on Wednesday.
Katie Truesdale and
Danielle Vujovic are also ranked first and second in goals scored in the conference with 16 and 10, respectively. If they can maintain their consistent play, Loras will be in prime position to make a deep run into the postseason.
THE RETURN OF AVERY •••Since the return from injury of junior
Madie Avery, the Duhawks have been heading back in the right direction. During the Duhawks' current five-match win streak, Avery has compounded four goals and has been a force in the Loras offensive pressure. Two of those goals came in the regular season finale at crosstown rival, University of Dubuque. With Avery peaking offensively, Loras finds themselves in solid position entering the postseason.
