DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's tennis team will travel to Iowa on Wednesday (March 25) before opening Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) play on Saturday (March 28) at Northern Iowa.

The Bulldogs are 13-4 and are coming off a 7-0 rout over Upper Iowa on March 22. Three of the Drake's four losses have come from ranked teams with its last setback against No. 58 Columbia on March 17. Drake is 1-2 against the Big Ten with its victory against Wisconsin on Jan. 24.

Scouting the Hawkeyes

Iowa enters Wednesday's matchup with a 7-6 record and is 1-3 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes fell to No. 52 Indiana, 4-3, in their last time out, but have won three of their last four prior to the setback to the Hoosiers. Iowa's most consistent player this season has been its top player, Shelby Talcott, who is 9-3 at No. 1.

Opening MVC Play

The Bulldogs opened their MVC season against Northern Iowa last year and have beaten the Panthers the last four meetings. Last year, Drake finished in third in the Valley with a 4-2 record and advanced to the MVC Tournament championship match, falling to Wichita State.

Scouting the Panthers

Northern Iowa is a perfect 7-0 at home and has won eight of its last nine matches. In the Panthers  swept Northern Kentucky, 7-0, in their last time out. The Panthers' most consistent player has been their No. 3, Jieke Stroobant, who is 12-2 in duals.

Next up for the Bulldogs

Drake begins the final month of the regular season at Illinois State on Friday, April 3 and at Bradley on April 4.