March 29, 2024

Drake women set for key mid-season test

First of two games with Northern Iowa tonight in Cedar Falls

DES MOINES — The Drake women’s basketball team’s had its share of ups and downs at times this season.

Injuries across the lineup has forced coach Jennie Baranczyk and the staff to put different combinations on the floor at various times.

Still, the Bulldogs have found a way to experience considerable success.

Drake will see how far its come tonight when it travels to Cedar Falls tonight (Friday) for a key mid-season Missouri Valley Conference showdown with Northern Iowa. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the McLeod Center.

“We’ve had injuries where we’ve had to shuffle things up, be flexible,” Baranczyk said. “We’re adjusting because of it.”

Drake comes in at 15-4 overall and 8-0 in the league.

The Bulldogs meet up with a Northern Iowa squad that has been equally as hot to start league play. The Panthers also 15-4 overall and 8-0 in the league.

It’s only the second time in Missouri Valley Conference history two teams have started league play 8-0.

Both sides are plenty familiar with each other. Northern Iowa has eight native Iowans on its roster, while Drake has five in-state players on the roster.

It adds fuel to the in-state rivalry.

“It’s become a very competitive series,” Baranczyk said. “There’s a lot respect for both sides. A lot of them have played against each other in high school, in AAU on the same team.”

Drake’s perimeter defense will be tested by Northern Iowa’s shooters.

“They shoot the ball well from the outside,” Baranczyk said. “It will be a challenge for us. We have to protect the three-point line. They’re a good shooting team.” The Bulldogs would like to see the game’s pace pick up.

“A big key for us is we want to play up-tempo,” Baranczyk said. “The half court and rebounding will be key.

We have go make sure we do all of those things.”

Tonight’s matchup will reveal much about both sides in the first of two meetings. The Panthers and Bulldogs play at the Knapp Center on Feb. 24.

“It will be a great test,” Baranczyk said. “It will be a fun game in a fun environment. I know they’ll have a great crowd. We’ll bring a great crowd. It will be really fun to see how much we’ve learned.”

Drake’s three seniors have helped bring a winning culture back to the women’s basketball program, joined with a solid mix of younger players.

“Some of the biggest keys for us has been our senior leadership,” Baranczyk said. “We’ve got three seniors who have had quite a bit of experience. They’ve really changed the culture. At the same time, we have a lot of younger players. Most of them are freshman and sophomores. It’s fun. It’s been an interesting mix.”

Drake’s lineup is diverse offensively and defensively, creating matchup problems for opposing teams.

“We have multiple scorers on the floor, multiple people who want to play aggressive on the defensive end, rebound,” Baranczyk said. “We’ve always played multiple people. That’s something we take pride in.”

Southeast Polk product Caitlin Ingle runs the offense, with senior Lizzy Wendell having key contributions in the post.

No matter the result of tonight’s game, the Bulldogs know they can play much better yet.

“The sky’s the limit for this team,” Baranczyk said. “I don’t think we’re close to the sky yet. We’re focused and determined. We know our strengths, know what we need to get better at.”