DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras College Women's Lacrosse team opens it third season in the Twin Cities with a pair of games in the Augsburg Dome. The Duhawks' season kicks off with a battle against Carthage on Saturday night before Loras takes on host Augsburg on Sunday.
OPENING 2015 SEASON IN THE TWIN CITIES ...
With snow on the ground and blistering cold temperatures on tap, the Duhawks will open their season in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they will take on Carthage and Augsburg. Saturday will mark the second straight season the Duhawks will open the season in the Augsburg dome.
KEYS TO VICTORY AGAINST CARTHAGE ...
A conference foe a season ago, the Duhawks will renew their rivalry with the Lady Reds on Saturday night when they open the 2015 season at the Augsburg Dome. Searching for their first win against Carthage, Loras will likely see a familar opponent in goal. Junior Taylor Sopron split time with Ali Gorman in last season's match up, allowing a pair of goals by Kaitlyn Kutsch. The Duhawks were shorthanded in last season's bout and look to take advantage of the new faces on this year's Lady Reds squad. Anxious to open the season in the win column, the will have to keep Carthage's Sydney Whitaker at bay.
TACKLING THE AUGGIES ...
In order to top the Auggies in their own dome, the Duhawks will have their work cut out for them. First and foremost, Loras will have to limit the things that they control the most - turnovers. Winning the turnover battle will help the Duhawks cash in on more possessions. On defense, Loras will need to shutdown sophomore Shelby Brion. In last year's match up, Brion scored a game-high five goals. As long as the defense can keep Brion in check, it will be up to the Loras attack to find fluidity. Valued possessions and smart attacks will be key to the an opening weekend win for the Duhawks.
MAKING A NAME IN 2015 …
With two seasons under their belt, the Loras College Women's Lacrosse team is anxious to "Make a Name" in their third season. With high caliber returners such as junior Kaitlyn Kutsch and a talented flock of freshman, the Duhawks have hopes of surprising teams around the league this season.
KUTSCH PRIMED AND READY ...
Returning for her junior season, Kaitlyn Kutsch, eyes being a larger asset for the Duhawks. While Kutsch has been Loras' lifeline in terms of scoring, as captain she will take on a larger role in 2015. With an improved attack stacked with viable offensive options, Kutsch will have the opportunity to play off her teammates and captain a more balanced attack. Her ability to feed teammates the ball will open up her driving lanes, something that has become her signature move while suiting up for the Duhawks.
TALENTED FRESHMAN KEY TO DUHAWKS' SUCCESS …
Loras' defense is bolstered by freshman Haley Sundquist and Sammi Wichgers. Sundquist adds to the speed and athleticism of the 2015 squad, bringing an aggressiveness to the Duhawks backline. Wichgers' understanding of the game and ability to see things develop makes her a valuable piece to the defense. Together, the two will be crucial to the Duhawks transition game and the overall tenacity of Loras' defense.
NEW FACES IN NET …
With the departures of Claire Sheahan and Meredith Gawlik, the Duhawks tandem in net will feature two new faces. Freshman Ashley McGee will likely get a majority of the minutes but an offseason position change by junior Shaunna Weber provides the Duhawks with an additional option. Commitment to the craft this offseason and in the early part of the preseason has put the duo in a position to make an impact for the Duhawks over the course of the season. As the season goes on, McGee and Weber will only improve.
SAME CONFERENCE, NEW FACES …
The announement of the CCIW's decision to sponsor women's lacrosse brought about a shake up in the MWLC. The move led Augustana, Carthage, Dubuque, and North Central to part ways with the MWLC, leaving room for a trio of newcomers. Illinois Tech joins the conference after posting a 0-11 record in their inaugural season. Joining the conference in their first seasons as programs are Wartburg and Cornell. Familiar opponents for Loras Athletics, the Duhawks will square off against the Knights and Rams for the first time in 2015, opening another chapter in Iowa lacrosse.
DUHAWKS TABBED FIFTH IN MWLC …
The Loras College Women's Lacrosse team was tabbed to finish fifth in the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference the conference announced Wednesday. In their third season as a program and second a member of the conference, the Duhawks will look to make the conference tournament for the first time in program history. Loras was chosen to finish ahead of Illinois Tech, Cornell, and Wartburg. Concordia-Wisconsin is the preseason favorite, with Beloit and Aurora rounding out the top three.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: FIVE HOME GAMES ON THE SLATE …
With just five home games on the schedule, be sure to lock in five key dates in the Rock Bowl. Loras opens up the home portion of their schedule with a mid-week bout against Elmhurst on March 25. The game opens a three-game home stand for the Duhawks as they host Cornell (March 28) and Wartburg (March 29) days later. Following a mid-season six-game road trip, Loras will return to the Rock Bowl on April 18 to face off against Aurora before hosting Benedictine on April 19.
CRYSTAL CLEAR HIGH-DEFINITION ...
For the fans that are unable to attend home games, they'll be treated to a first-class ticket to the first high-definition online stream produced by Loras College Athletics. During the offseason, thanks largely in part to an anonymous donation, the Loras College Athletic Communications Department upgraded its hardware and technology and will now provide high-definition broadcasts of its home contests all season long. To watch, simply go to: www.duhawks.com/live
FOLLOW @LCWOMENSLAX THIS SEASON ...
Keep track of the Duhawks 2015 season by following them on Twitter (@LCWomensLAX and @LorasAthletics). Be sure to follow the Duhawks and the excitement surrounding their third season.
