DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras women's soccer team will head into their fourth week of play with a 4–1–0 record after dropping their last match to Augustana, 2–1. Junior Sydney Wright, a force for Loras on the back line, has picked up her offensive game by scoring a goal in each of the last two matches. Senior Maria Siebels will come into this week with a 0.897 save percentage, 26 saves and a 0.58 goals against average.

WEEKLY PREVIEW 

The Duhawks will be back in the Rock Bowl this week when they play host to UW-Oshkosh Thursday night. The Titans enter with a 4-3-0 record after picking up a win over Wartburg last Sunday, 2-1.  From there, Loras travels to Lincoln, Neb. to open conference play against Nebraska Wesleyan. The Prairie Wolves defeated the College of Saint Mary on Tuesday, moving their record to 4-5-0.

LAST TIME OUT AGAINST THE TITANS

Loras owns the all-time record with the Titans, having the edge at 3–1–0. The lone loss occurred a season ago when Loras traveled to Oshkosh to open the 2015 campaign. UW-Oshkosh had a 2–0 halftime lead and used three second half goals to put the Duhawks away, winning by a final score of 5–1. In her collegiate debut, Elizabeth Mills delivered the lone tally for Loras.

TITANS TO WATCH OUT FOR 

Rachel Elliott enters as the leading scorer for the Titans, collecting eight points by way of three goals and two assists. The forward's first goal of the year was in the team's season opener and was the game-winning goal, which helped UW-Oshkosh prevail over Concordia Wisconsin, 2–1.

LAST TIME OUT AGAINST THE PRAIRIE WOLVES 

Loras has won all three previous meetings against Nebraska Wesleyan. The last time both sides met was during the 2011 campaign inside the Rock Bowl. Eight different goal scorers registered tallies en route to a 9-nil decision.

PRAIRIE WOLVES TO WATCH OUT FOR 

Georgia Straka is off to a hot start in her sophomore campaign, registering 14 points by way of seven goals. The forward is second in the IIAC in total goals this season behind Kallie Holte of Central who has delivered eight winners.

AVERY RETURNS FOR LORAS

After missing the first four matches of her senior season, Madie Avery returned to the pitch in last week's non-conference tilt against Augustana. With the Urbandale, Iowa native on the field, Avery will be looked to contribute her leadership, experience and knowledge of the game. Throughout her career, Avery has recorded seven goals and six assists for a total of 20 points.

FAST START IN IOWA CONFERENCE PLAY IS VITAL

With conference action beginning at Nebraska Wesleyan for the Duhawks, it will be vital for them to continue where they left off in non-conference action. After besting quality opponents through their first five games, Loras will be prepared for what will be a tight race for the top spot in the Iowa Conference. Coming off a season in which Loras was edged in penalties in the IIAC Tournament Championship, they are well aware of how competitive their conference schedule will be.

WRIGHT ON TARGET 

Junior Sydney Wright has been a key to the Duhawks' early season success in 2016. Although the Rockford, Ill. native is a defender, she has two goals on the season, eclipsing her point total from her sophomore season in which she had a goal and an assist. Wright's speed allows her to join the attack, while often man-marking the opposing team's strongest forward. With Wright in the Purple & Gold, Loras has a crucial piece to a championship-caliber squad.

BATTLE TESTED DUHAWKS

Loras holds an overall record of 4-1-0, overcoming a grueling start to their non-conference schedule in 2016. Each match has been tightly contested as four of the first five have been decided by one goal. Loras' match with St. Olaf required two overtimes before the winning strike in the 110th minute. The challenges continued when Loras took on No. 22 Augustana, who prevailed over the Duhawks with a 2–1 decision. Loras owns the 39th toughest schedule in Division III and the best in the Iowa Conference.

SIEBELS STABLE IN NET

Senior Maria Siebels has been a key contributor to the Duhawks' impressive 4–1–0 start by being very stable in net. The St. Peter, Minn. native was recognized for her play on the field by being named the IIAC Performer of the Week on Sept. 13. Compared to other goalkeepers in the IIAC, Siebels currently ranks first in goals against average (0.58) and has the most shutouts (3) while being second in save percentage (0.897) and third in saves (26).

DEPTH PROVING VITAL FOR DUHAWKS

In previous seasons, the Duhawks starting lineups have benefited from extended depth, which in turn has resulted in competition at every position. With a new head coach in Matt Pucci, Loras has raced out of the starting gates and as a result, find themselves ranked No. 22 in the NSCAA National Poll. With an average of 18 players appearing per match, the Duhawks' depth will be a key asset as the focus turns towards conference play.