Friday, Jan. 30 – at Nebraska, 7 p.m., Bob Devaney Sports Cetner, Lincoln, Neb.
Saturday, Jan. 31 – at Northwest Missouri State, 7 p.m., Lamkin Gym, Maryville, Mo.
Friday, Feb. 6 – at St. Cloud State, 7:30 p.m., Halenback Hall, St. Cloud, Minn.
Saturday, Feb. 7 – at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m., Williams Arena, Minneapolis, Minn.
 
VERMILLION, S.D.—Looking to improve their chances for a postseason tournament bid, the University of South Dakota women's basketball team takes to the road this weekend, meeting two tough Region VI opponents. The Coyotes, 10-3 on the season, will be at Nebraska on Friday (Jan. 30) and then head to Maryville, Mo., to face Northwest Missouri State on Saturday. Tip-off for both contests is slated for 7 p.m.
 
The past week saw the Coyotes struggle through three games, defeating Creighton 62-52 but dropping decisions to Nebraska-Omaha, 70-53, and Drake, 85-70. The loss to Drake makes for a wild scramble in the North Section. USD and the Bulldogs are both 3-1, as is Minnesota creating a three-way tie for first place. South Dakota travels to Minnesota, ranked 18th in the nation, a week from Saturday (Feb. 7).
 
On a brighter note, the Coyotes expect to see 6-4 sophomore Deb Petersen back in the lineup this weekend. Petersen, ranked ninth in field goal percentage (61.4) has missed the last five outings. USD had posted a 9-1 mark before she was sidelined with a hyperextended knee.
 
Also, USD appears to have regained its shooting touch. After shooting anywhere from the low 30's to the low 40's its previous five games, USD managed just 29% the first half vs. Drake. But the Coyotes bounced back with a 50% showing in the second half, scoring from the inside as well as outside. South Dakota has been ranked among the nation's most accurate shooting clubs all season long. In fact, USD was ranked 13th in that area prior to meeting Drake.
 
All year the Coyotes have been led by seniors Mary Joneson, Renee Steeve and Gloria Suntken. Joneson is 12th in the nation in rebounding, averaging 12.8, along with 9.8 points. Steeve tallies 17.4 points per game, while directing the offense. Suntken, the defender supreme, is the club's second leading scorer (10.0) and rebounder (5.2), while leading in assists (66) and steals (30). A healthy Petersen will add her 15.0 scoring average and 8.3 rebounds.
 
Nebraska, 11-6 overall, leads the Central Section with a perfect 3-0 mark. Forward Kathy Hagerstrom leads the Huskers with 17.9 ppg, while center Janet Smith adds 14.3 ppg and 12.7 rebounds. Four of Nebraska's losses are to Top 20 teams, with three of those decided at the charity stripe.
 
Northwest Missouri State stands at 11-5. Forward Patti Painter (16.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and center Julie Chadwick (12.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg) spark the Bearkittens. USD and NWMSU have already met twice this season. The Kittens took a 73-71 decision at Drake's Capital City Invitational. USD escaped with a 56-55 win in Vermillion, just before the holiday break. Both games were decided in the closing seconds.