Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1090072
21 T here's the patient leader who is thriving in her new starting role. ere's the relentless basketball expert who battled through two knee injuries, and there is the humble All- American that will go down as the all-time greatest. eir names are Hannah Stewart, Tania Davis, and Megan Gustafson and they deserve to be celebrated. On March 3, 12,051 Hawkeye fans filled Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Senior Day to do just that. Perhaps the biggest cause for celebration however, is the fact that they are not done yet. "Senior Day was amazing," Gustafson said. "It was one of the best days of my life. To have so many family members in attendance and being able to celebrate with my teammates and my fellow seniors was special. e ceremony aerward was incredible. "It was an awesome day, but we know we know we're not done yet." Collectively, Iowa's three seniors are averaging 49.9 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. ey have led the Hawkeyes to a 23-6 overall record and a second-place finish in the Big Ten regular season (14-4). Now, the group heads to Indianapolis for the 2019 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament (March 6-11) with tournament title hopes. "We know we have to take it one game at a time," Gustafson said. "It's important to focus on each team individually in order to prepare well. "It's a great atmosphere. Each team draws a bunch of people. We have to find our element quickly and get used to the atmosphere as soon as possible. We have to treat this like any other game. We know we need to come together and focus on our energy in order to be successful." If any more motivation is needed entering the Big Ten Tournament, the Hawkeyes have just that. In the NCAA Women's Basketball Selection Committee's final top-16 reveal on March 4, the Hawkeyes were the No. 8 overall seed and a No. 2 seed in the Greensboro Regional. A good showing at the Big Ten Tournament would only help Iowa remain a two seed and, in turn, host the NCAA First and Second Rounds in Carver- Hawkeye Arena from March 22-25. "Playing in Carver is just different," said Stewart. "It's like having a sixth man on the court with you. If we are able to host the first couple rounds of the NCAA Tournament, that's huge. It's such an advantage, and we really hope we can, because we know Hawkeye fans will show up and help us out with that. "It's such an honor to play in front of so many fans that love you and invest in you." e No. 10/11 Hawkeyes open the 2019 Big Ten Tournament on March 8 at 5:30 p.m. (CT). Iowa faces the winner of seventh-seeded Minnesota and 10th-seeded Indiana. MARCH SCHEDULE March 8 vs. Minnesota or Indiana March 9 at Big Ten Semifinal March 10 at Big Ten Final March 22-23 NCAA First Round March 24-25 NCAA Second Round March 29-31 NCAA Sweet 16, Elite Eight