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113 A er opening the year with a 10-2 mark in nonconference action, many have asked members of the University of Iowa women's basketball team what their goals are for the conference season. Without hesitation, the answer is the same: e Hawkeyes want to win. "We always have the goal to win the Big Ten outright and win the Big Ten Tournament," junior forward Ally Disterho said. "at's never going to change no matter (what players) you lose. You always want to be the best you can be. "at's the standard (at Iowa). You go out to play and expect to win. at standard will never be lowered, so we want to win." e Hawkeyes finished runner-up last season with a 14-4 conference record, fell in overtime in their Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal contest, but earned a No. 3 seed in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. Iowa won its First and Second Round contests, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1996. Despite the many successes of last season, because of the graduation of three starters, many outside the program have lowered expectations for the Hawkeyes this season. Iowa was not picked to finish in the top three in preseason Big Ten voting and Disterho was the only player to earn preseason All-Big Ten recognition. ese things have not discouraged the Hawkeyes whatsoever. "We're excited to get into the Big Ten season and make waves," Disterho said. "I don't think people expect as much from us as they have in past years, even though we're ranked, we're embracing that underdog role and we're ready for it." "We're ready," junior guard Alexa Kastanek said. "Especially when you look at our road games, we've put together a great product. We're playing well as a team, and we need to continue to bring energy and enthusiasm into Big Ten play." e high expectations of being a part of the Iowa basketball program have been passed along to newcomers on the roster as well. Each are eager to maintain the success of the Hawkeyes in and out of Big Ten play, and are excited for the opportunity to compete in the elite conference. "ey've told us the Big Ten is a gritty conference and you have to go in and compete night-in and night-out because every team is going to give you its best shot," freshman guard Tania Davis said. "We know we need to go in every arena and focus on the game plan. "is is one of the reasons I chose Iowa. It was always my dream to play in the Big Ten Conference, and now I'm finally here with the conference season right around the corner." JANUARY SCHEDULE Jan. 4 Rugters Jan. 7 at Michigan Jan. 10 Maryland Jan. 13 at Wisconsin Jan. 16 at Michigan State Jan. 20 Penn State Jan. 24 at Purdue Jan. 28 Michigan Jan. 31 at Northwestern