DUBUQUE, Iowa (duhawks.com) - Following a 3–1 performance at the IIAC-NACC Crossover Challenge in Waverly, Iowa, the Loras women's volleyball team takes a .500 record (8-8, 0-1 IIAC ) into two pivotal Iowa Conference matches on the road this weekend. The Duhawks squares off against Central at 7:30 p.m. in Pella, Iowa on Friday night before taking on Simpson in Indianola, Iowa at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. 

SCOUTING THE DUTCH
The Dutch bring a 1–1 record in Iowa Conference play into their matchup with Loras, besting Simpson in four sets back on Sept. 13 before losing to IIAC-newcomer Nebraska Wesleyan in five sets at home last Tuesday night. Central features a two-headed offensive attack in juniors Kylie Gerstein and Jenna Dille, who have totaled 168 and 114 kills respectively in 2016. Senior libero Nicole Ewoldt provides leadership and consistency on the Dutch backline, racking up 308 digs for an average of 5.22 digs per set to lead the Central defense.

SERIES HISTORY VERSUS THE DUTCH
Since 2001, the Duhawks are 6-9 versus the Dutch, with the last meeting coming on Oct. 13, 2015, which was a 3-0 victory for Loras. The Central offense was held at bay for most of the night, hitting a minuscule .008, which included negative attack percentages for the Dutch in sets two and three. The dynamic duo of seniors Danni Kennedy and Therese Schultz combined for eight blocks as the Duhawks finished with a total of nine for the match. 

SCOUTING THE STORM
At 7–8 overall and 0–2 in conference play, Simpson will welcome the Duhawks to Indianola on Saturday following a matchup with Dubuque on Friday night. The Storm have been defeated by Central and Buena Vista in their first two IIAC matches, but are coming off a 2–2 weekend at the IIAC-NACC Crossover that was hosted by Benedictine. Junior Jacqueline Luth leads the Simpson offense in kills with 184, averaging 3.64 kills per set on the season. Kayla Aronow has taken on the full-time libero duties as a junior, racking up 227 digs to anchor the defensive unit. Additionally, the Storm have received major contributions from several freshman during the 2016 campaign and carry a young roster with no seniors. 

SERIES HISTORY VERSUS THE STORM
Loras is 7-8 against Simpson since 2001, with the Duhawks sweeping Simpson in their most recent matchup at home on Oct. 20, 2015. The Loras offense featured a balanced attack that evening, led by senior Liz Jendra who tallied 12 kills and 16 digs in the match. Five Duhawks totaled at least five kills as Loras combined for 42 kills and a .226 attack percentage in the victory.

DUHAWKS BOUNCE BACK
After suffering their first loss to the University of Dubuque in the Jenna Ness era, the Duhawks bounced back by winning three out of their four games in Waverly, Iowa at the IIAC-NACC Crossover Challenge. Loras rolled over last season's NACC regular season champion, Edgewood, and postseason champion, Dominican, before dispatching Lakeland for their third consecutive win of the weekend. With two key conference games against Central and Simpson up next, the Duhawks look to use the momentum of their successful weekend to climb up the conference standings. 

RITCHIE RACKING UP THE STATS
Claire Ritchie has utilized her multi-dimensional game to become a staple in the Duhawk lineup in her first two years. The Lakeville, Minn. native takes on the dual roles of setter and opposite hitter, setting in the back row and hitting when she rotates to the front line. Being in this crucial position allows her to not only control the offense, but also take a good portion of the attack attempts. This past weekend at the IIAC-NACC Crossover Challenge, Ritchie compiled two triple-doubles in four matches, racking up double-digits in kills, assists and digs against Edgewood and Lakeland. Currently, she ranks second in kills and assists per set for the Duhawks with 2.14 and 4.27 respectively. 

ERICKSON EARNING IT
A senior from Springfield, Ill., Jenna Erickson put her experience on display last weekend at IIAC-NACC Crossover Challenge. With a combined 82 assists and 52 digs in four matches, she helped to facilitate the Duhawks to the tune of a 3-1 record for the weekend. Currently standing at 285 assists this season, Erickson is on pace to reach the 534 mark, pending Loras' postseason play.

MIDDLES FINDING THEIR MARK
The Duhawks' senior middles, Therese Schultz and Danni Kennedy, had an explosive weekend at the IIAC-NACC crossover held in Waverly, Iowa. Schultz and Kennedy both finished with a hitting percentage over .200 and combined for 83 kills through four matches. Kennedy's performance earned her a spot on the all-tournament team, totaling 43 kills, 15 digs and 12 blocks, which included a season-high 14 kills in Loras' win over Dominican.