DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University women's basketball team returns to the Knapp Center Friday night when it hosts Loyola in the team's Missouri Valley Conference home opener. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and doors will open at 5 p.m. Fans can take advantage of the Starting $5 Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. with four concession items specially priced during that time with $1 hotdogs, small popcorns and 16 oz. soft drinks along with $2 slices of Papa John's pizza.
 
In its first MVC games, Drake (10-4, 2-0 MVC) never trailed in each road win over Bradley and Illinois State last weekend. The Bulldogs, who lead the nation in total assists with 312, handed out 47 assists in the two victories. Sara Rhine (Eldon, Mo.) posted double-doubles in each contest and was awarded her fourth MVC Player of the Week award of the season on Monday in recognition for performances.
 
Rhine and Becca Hittner (Urbandale, Iowa) at 19.0 points per game and 18.3 are No. 1 and 2, respectively, in the conference leaders.
 
Loyola (7-5, 1-0 MVC) has already matched its win total from last season after it defeated Valparaiso (4-9, 0-1 MVC) in its league opener. The Ramblers are led by sophomore Abby O'Conner who averages a team-high 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds. Drake has won nine consecutive in the series and holds a 13-3 advantage.
 
Following Friday's game, Drake welcomes Valparaiso Sunday afternoon. Tipoff with the Crusaders is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN3.
 
Valpo is led by first-year head coach Mary Evans who previously was an assistant for four seasons at Ohio. Senior guard Meredith Hamlet leads the team in scoring at 14.2. The Bulldogs won all three meetings last year in Valpo's first year in the MVC after the teams hadn't played since 1995.