DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College women's basketball team will tip-off their 2025-26 season against the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. inside the Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center.
 
Last season, the Duhawks finished with a 9-16 overall record and a 6-10 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) record.
 
Head coach Justin Busch is entering his third season at the helm of his alma mater and is looking forward to seeing his team compete night in and night out.
 
"Our expectation this season is to compete every night and play the game the right way," Busch said. "With four returners who understand what it takes, and a lot of talented new faces who are hungry to prove themselves, I'm excited to see how quickly we can come together."
 
One of those four returners is Claire Wagner, who is coming off a Second Team All-Conference season. The Westchester, Ill., native averaged 12.6 points per game, while grabbing eight rebounds a game, which were both team-highs. She was also one of the most efficient players in the A-R-C, finishing the season top 10 in field goal percentage at 52 percent. Lexi Beier also returns to Lillis Court for her senior year. The "jack-of-all-trades type player" according to her head coach will look to take on more of an offensive role this season. Kylie Rigby and Ashtyn Kelderman will also bring experience to the Duhawk lineup.
 
Macy Harnden will begin her collegiate career in the Purple and Gold. The freshman from Clive, Iowa will be looking to mirror the success she had in high school.
 
"Macy is a winner," Busch said. "In high school, her team was a final four team multiple times, and we are excited to have her winning mentality join us."
 
Looking ahead, the Duhawks will travel to Greenville, Ill. for a nonconference matchup with Greenville University before returning home to face the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Nov. 19.
 
Loras will open conference play on the road on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. against the University of Dubuque.