Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/592980
99 A er reaching the Sweet 16 a season ago in one of the most memorable runs in program history, the University of Iowa women's basketball team is back on the hardwood working to accomplish its ninth straight NCAA Tournament berth. While the roster looks different this year with eight underclassmen and the graduation of three starters, all of whom signed professional basketball contracts following their collegiate careers, the team- first culture remains constant and the intensity is the same. "I don't think losing players changes your intensity," 16th-year UI head coach Lisa Bluder said. "It's something we try to build, it's a part of our culture, and it's something we don't have to recreate. Seven of our women returning were there every single day in practice. ey were in the locker room every single time. ey know what it takes. "You have a culture that you establish in your program that continues to roll. We have to teach the freshmen that culture, but when you have somebody like Ally Disterho and Whitney Jennings leading you, you don't lose in intensity." Both Disterho, a two-year starter and 2015 Preseason All-Big Ten Team selection by the coaches, and Jennings, a sophomore, were a part of the starting five a season ago and played integral roles in Iowa's 24th NCAA Tournament appearance. e Hawkeyes also welcome back their top player off the bench in senior Kali Peschel, who was the team's second-best 3-point shooter a year ago. Each returner is passionate about the Hawkeye program and determined to continue the team's NCAA Tournament run to nine. at attitude is contagious and has quickly been inherited by the underclassmen through summer workouts and the team's Italian Tour in August. e highly touted freshmen class, which was ranked No. 17 nationally by ESPN HoopGurlz and boasts two Miss Basketball honorees in Tania Davis (Michigan) and Hannah Stewart (North Dakota), combined with a hungry sophomore class looking for more minutes, has created a competitive environment and raised the bar for the Hawkeyes across the board. Bluder loves to see the fight in her squad and believes it will benefit the program throughout the season. "I feel like they're more boisterous and aggressive than last year's team," Bluder said. "Some of our younger players, like sophomore Carly Mohns, are more aggressive on the court than we have been in the past. I like that, especially when it benefits the rebounding and defensive aspects of the game." Iowa debuts its roster at home inside Carver- Hawkeye Arena on Nov. 13 against North Dakota, kicking off the annual Hawkeye Challenge. NOVEMBER SCHEDULE Nov. 13 North Dakota Nov. 15 UT Martin Nov. 19 Western Illinois Nov. 22 at Northern Iowa Nov. 26 vs Wright State (Austin, Texas) Nov. 27 vs George Washington (Austin, Texas) Nov. 28 vs Houston (Austin, Texas)