VERMILLION, S.D.— The University of South Dakota women's basketball team travels to Omaha this weekend to face the College of Saint Mary at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 4) and Nebraska-Omaha at 5:45 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 5) in a key North Central Conference matchup.
USD entered the week with a 13-6 record, including 3-2 in the NCC – a half-game out of first place. The Coyotes entertained league-leading South Dakota State in a Tuesday contest.
Saturday's matchup pairs the league's top two defenses. USD is allowing just 62.2 points per game, while UNO gives up a 65.3 average. In addition, the Coyotes lead the NCC in free throw shooting (73 percent) with UNO a close second. The Coyotes are third in scoring offense (71.0), second in field goal shooting (46%) and first in assists (17.2).
South Dakota whipped St. Mary 91-48 back in December. Freshman
Mitzie Frericks led the way with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
USD coach Chad Lavin is expected to employ sophomores
Katie Dailey (6.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and
Ann Pancoast (18.1, 4.9) as his starting guards with sophomore
Robin Schamber (5.2, 5.4), fully recovered from an early-season leg injury, and junior
Karrie Wallen (15.0, 6.3) at the forwards and senior
Pam Olerich (9.5, 5.5) at center. Senior
Carol Finley (7.1, 6.3), junior
Michelle Woodard (5.6, 2.8) and freshman
Mitzie Frericks (6.6, 4.9) should also see considerable action.
Following this weekend's play, the Coyotes will again travel to Omaha to face Creighton on Feb. 17. USD then plays its final four games, including three NCC contests, at home.
