DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras women's soccer team (5–2–0, 1–0–0 IIAC) split last week's contests, dropping a close match to UW-Oshkosh, 1–0, before opening conference play with a convincing 4-nil win over Nebraska Wesleyan. Junior Gretchen Schutz recorded a five-point outing, which earned her Iowa Conference Performer of the Week honors.

WEEKLY PREVIEW 

The Duhawks return to the non-conference portion of their schedule on Wednesday with a tilt against No. 9 UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks enter with a 9–1 record after dismantling St. Catherine, 7–1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

KEEP UP WITH THE DUHAWKS 

Wednesday's match against UW-Whitewater will have live stats provided, while fans will be treated to a Duhawk Broadcast Network Production on Saturday, with both the live stream and live stats provided via the SIDEARM Sports platform, courtesy of Tri-State Travel. In addition, fans can follow along with live commentary on Twitter, @LorasMWSoccer.

LAST TIME OUT AGAINST THE WARHAWKS 

Loras owns the all-time record with UW-Whitewater at 6–2–0. The last meeting came a season ago when the Warhawks traveled to play in the Rock Bowl and came away with a 3–2 win in overtime. Katie Truesdale recorded a first-half brace, but a late goal from UW-Whitewater sent the match to extra time, where Carly Pottle netted the winner in the 107th minute on a penalty.

WARHAWKS TO WATCH OUT FOR 

The senior duo of Brianna Reid and Cary Pottle should be on the radar of the Loras back line. Reid comes off a season in which she recorded 20 goals and three assists for a total of 43 points, earning her a plethora of postseason awards, including 2015 First-Team All-WIAC, NSCAA All-Region honors, WIAC Offensive Player of the Year and Second-Team All-American by the NSCAA. This year, Reid has tallied eight goals, which leads the WIAC, and four assists for a total of 20 points. Cary Pottle, also a 2015 First-Team All-WIAC member and an All-Region honoree, has registered five goals and three assists for a total of 13 points, which ranks second in the WIAC. While having a balanced offensive attack, the Warhawks' defense has been stingy to opponents as Sarah Kilmisch owns a 0.39 goals against average and a .917 save percentage, including four clean sheets.

WIDESPREAD DUHAWK ATTACK 

The Duhawks so far this season have gotten contributions from various individuals. In fact, the Purple & Gold have eight players with at least one goal. The offensive diversity allows Loras to keep opposing defenses off balance and the Duhawk attack thriving. Head coach Matt Pucci will hope for this trend to continue as his team heads into the heart of conference play.

FAMILIAR TERRITORY 

The Loras women's soccer program heads into this week of play with a 5–2–0 record, which they are familiar with as they held the same record at this point in the 2015 season. Under first-year head coach Matt Pucci, the Duhawks have returned to national ranking discussion, moving as high as No. 12 two weeks ago. Wednesday's match against UW-Whitewater marks the second top-25 opponent that Loras has faced this season.

WRIGHT CONTRIBUTING ALL OVER THE PITCH

Duhawk defensive anchor junior Sydney Wright, is proving once against to be a crucial contributor on both ends of the field. Wright has tallied four shots so far this season, all of which have been on target with three finding twine. Her latest strike came in the conference opener against Nebraska Wesleyan, settling the score at 4-0 in favor of the Duhawks.

RELIABLE SCHUTZ 

Junior Gretchen Schutz has been a key player for the Duhawks once again this season as the Lodi, Wis. native has two goals and two assists on the year. Following last Sunday's performance against Nebraska Wesleyan, Schutz was selected as IIAC Performer of the Week.

AVERY RETURNS TO FORM 

Senior Madie Avery recently returned from injury and has been back in the Loras lineup for the last three matches. Avery joined the scoring for the first time this season with her game-winner against Nebraska Wesleyan. In Avery's first three years in the Purple & Gold, she has totaled 20 points by way of seven goals and six assists.